Scotland lose 2-1 to Slovenia at Hampden as Switzerland beat North Macedonia to stay perfect in Group B1
Ryan Christie's goal was not enough as Slovenia came from behind at Hampden, while Switzerland beat North Macedonia 3-0 to go five points clear.
Scotland's wait for a home win under Sebastien Pocognoli goes on after Slovenia came from behind to win 2-1 at Hampden Park in the Nations League on Tuesday night. In the other Group B1 game, Switzerland beat North Macedonia 3-0 in Lucerne to keep their perfect record.
Both matches kicked off in the early hours of Wednesday Malaysia time, and the defeat brought a difficult international window to a close for Scotland.
Christie gives Scotland the lead
Scotland struggled for rhythm in the first half but went ahead in the 31st minute. Jack Hendry's header came back off the post and Ryan Christie reacted quickest, flicking the ball in with a backheel.
The lead did not last long into the second half. Aljosa Matko equalised for Slovenia in the 57th minute, and the visitors went ahead in the 72nd minute through Danijel Sturm. Scotland pushed for a leveller and had penalty appeals waved away, but Slovenia held on.
Christie admitted the team had faded after the equaliser. He described it as "a frustrating night" when speaking afterwards, saying Scotland had improved after the break before Slovenia's goal changed the game.
Pressure on Pocognoli
Pocognoli, the Belgian appointed as Scotland head coach, is still looking for his first victory at Hampden. The defeat meant Scotland finished the window with only one win from four matches, a disappointing return for a side that had hoped to challenge near the top of the group.
Scotland sit third in Group B1 with two matches left, and their hopes of finishing top now look slim given Switzerland's form.
Switzerland in control
Switzerland had little trouble against North Macedonia at the Swissporarena in Lucerne, in front of 15,730 fans. Fabian Rieder opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, Johan Manzambi added a second in the 73rd and Dan Ndoye completed the win in the 81st.
The Swiss had 20 shots to North Macedonia's three and controlled the ball for most of the night. It was their fourth win in four group games, leaving them five points clear at the top, according to UEFA. North Macedonia have lost all four of their matches.
The result was a repeat of the scoreline from late September, when Switzerland also beat North Macedonia 3-0.
What comes next
Scotland's last two group matches are in November. They host North Macedonia at Hampden on Friday, 13 November, before travelling to face Switzerland on Monday, 16 November. Both games are scheduled for 7.45pm UK time, which is 3.45am the following morning in Malaysia, as the UK will be back on GMT by then.
Slovenia's win keeps them firmly in the race for the places behind Switzerland, with every point mattering in the final two rounds.
Key takeaways
- Slovenia beat Scotland 2-1 at Hampden after Ryan Christie's 31st-minute opener.
- Aljosa Matko (57') and Danijel Sturm (72') scored for Slovenia.
- Sebastien Pocognoli has still to win a home game as Scotland head coach.
- Switzerland beat North Macedonia 3-0 to make it four wins from four in Group B1.
FAQ Who scored for Scotland against Slovenia? Ryan Christie scored Scotland's only goal with a backheel in the 31st minute. Where are Scotland in their Nations League group? Scotland are third in Group B1 with two games left, behind leaders Switzerland. When do Scotland play next? Scotland host North Macedonia on 13 November and visit Switzerland on 16 November.
Sources: Sky Sports, UEFA, ESPN