McGinn double secures Scotland win over North Macedonia

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 04:38 · Archive

John McGinn scored twice as Scotland beat North Macedonia 2-1 to keep their Nations League promotion hopes alive.

Scotland beat North Macedonia 2-1 at Hampden Park in a Nations League encounter that required McGinn's intervention to avoid embarrassment. The hosts struggled for much of the match and were booed off at half-time goalless. Scotland took the lead in the 54th minute when McGinn curled a finish into the net after Ché Adams outmuscled his marker to set up the Aston Villa midfielder. North Macedonia equalised three minutes later through striker Elmin Rastoder with a header.

McGinn restored Scotland's lead from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute to secure victory. The win keeps Scotland's promotion hopes alive in Group B1, though they face a difficult path. They must beat Switzerland away on Monday night and hope North Macedonia do them a favour in their final game. Slovenia were held by Switzerland in the other Group B1 fixture.

The match coincided with a significant milestone for Scotland captain Andy Robertson, who earned his 102nd cap to equal Kenny Dalglish's all-time Scottish appearance record. By Monday night, Robertson will become the outright record holder. This was manager Sébastien Pocognoli's first home win since taking charge.

McGinn, who now has 24 international goals, said climbing Scotland's all-time scoring list was in his thoughts. He is joint-third with Hughie Gallacher, six goals behind Kenny Dalglish and Denis Law. He told media: "It's been something that's been in the back of my head, but obviously the results haven't been the way we've wanted. The team come first." McGinn added that his priority was helping Scotland reach another major tournament.

Scotland's performance drew criticism from some observers. The Guardian noted that questions surround whether manager Pocognoli can build on the work of his predecessor Steve Clarke, describing Scotland as "a tough watch" and suggesting the Belgian coach appears "tactically inflexible". The Daily Mail reported that North Macedonia are ranked 71st in FIFA's world rankings compared to Scotland's 43rd, suggesting the hosts should have won more convincingly.

How it is being reported

• John McGinn sets sights on Scotland scoring record after brace in win over North MacedoniaScotland 2-1 North Macedonia: McGinn struck twice at Hampden Park on the night that captain Andy Robertson equalled a Scottish record of his ownIndependent Sport · 13 Nov, 23:10
• John McGinn double saves Scotland’s blushes against North MacedoniaA special occasion for Andy Robertson saw Scotland flirt with embarrassment. Collection of his 102nd cap moves Robertson level with Kenny Dalglish in the all-time Scottish list. By Monday night, Robertson will be a record holder. This was, however, John McGinn’s night. A double from McGinn, the second a penalty, spared Scottish blushes against a North Macedonia team who threatened to gatecrash Robertson’s celebration. This proved an almighty struggle for Scotland. Questions – and plenty of them – surround whether or not Sébastien Pocognoli can build on the excellent work of his predecessor…The Guardian · 13 Nov, 22:16
• SCOTLAND 2 NORTH MACEDONIA 1: John McGinn at the double to spare the blushes of Pocognoli's shaky Scots on skipper Robertson's big nightOn the night when the nation looked over its shoulder and celebrated the past, the here and now for Scotland looked distinctly uncertain.Daily Mail Sport · 13 Nov, 22:01
• McGinn double seals win for ragged ScotlandJohn McGinn's double rescued Scotland as they toiled to a 2-1 win over North Macedonia to keep their Nations League promotion hopes alive.Sky Sports · 13 Nov, 21:35

In this story: John McGinn · Andy Robertson · Scotland · North Macedonia · Sébastien Pocognoli · Kenny Dalglish · Aston Villa · Switzerland

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