Scotland lose to Slovenia in Nations League defeat at Hampden

Summarised from 5 outlets · 9 reports · Updated 6 Oct, 23:37 · Archive

Scotland surrendered a half-time lead to lose 2-1 to Slovenia in a Nations League match at Hampden Park.

Scotland lost 2-1 to Slovenia in a Nations League match at Hampden Park on Saturday, with the visitors coming from behind to secure their first win in seven meetings with the Scots. Ryan Christie gave Scotland a half-time lead with a close-range backheel after Jack Hendry had headed off the post, but Slovenia dominated the second half to overturn the deficit.

Aljosa Matko levelled the score with a sidefooted shot before Danijel Sturm put Slovenia ahead with a second goal. Scotland attempted to respond but were unable to find an equaliser, with penalty appeals dismissed when both Findlay Curtis and Josh McPake were bundled over in the box.

The defeat is a significant setback for manager Sebastien Pocognoli in his first international window. Scotland had won their previous match against North Macedonia on Saturday, but this performance was markedly different. The team now sits third in Group B1 with four points from four matches, having accumulated just one win in their four games this extended break.

Capitan Andy Robertson, who was presented with a commemorative jersey before the match to mark his 100th cap, was critical of Scotland's display. He told BBC Sport Scotland that Scotland were "outfought" and "not good enough", adding that the team did not reproduce the form that had secured victory in North Macedonia. "They looked a lot fresher, more hungry," Robertson said of Slovenia.

Pocognoli acknowledged that his side had fallen short. "We didn't deserve to get the win, that's the reality," he said. "On the ball we were not clever enough. We were far from strong enough in the duels." He added that the game would teach his team lessons.

Scotland's chances of finishing second in the group now rest on beating both North Macedonia and Switzerland in November. A loss to either could see Scotland slip from pot two to pot three for the Euro 2028 draw in December, with significant implications for their qualification prospects.

The loss also means Pocognoli remains without a Hampden Park victory since taking charge. On the night, Billy Gilmour won his 50th cap, Oli McBurnie earned his 20th, and Josh McPake made his debut as a substitute.

How it is being reported

• 'Outfought' and 'not good enough' - Robertson on Scotland defeatScotland were "outfought" and simply "not good enough" in their 2-1 Nations League defeat by Slovenia, according to captain Andy Robertson.BBC News · 6 Oct, 23:13
• Scotland 1 Slovenia 2 - PLAYER RATINGS: Which defender was missing in action for winning goal, who was blunted as an attacking force, and which talisman must do better for Pocognoli?SCOTLAND (3-4-2-1) ANGUS GUNN - 4/10 Got his right hand to Matko's sidefooted shot to make it 1-1, but couldn't stop it going in. Let down by defence at second.Daily Mail Sport · 6 Oct, 22:31
• Scotland let lead slip in abject defeat by SloveniaWatch the best of the action as Slovenia come from behind to beat Scotland 2-1 in the Nations League at Hampden.BBC Sport · 6 Oct, 22:23
• Angus Gunn is not the safe pair of hands Scotland need in goal... but there's no solution in sight for Sebastien PocognoliIt is fair to say that Angus Gunn probably won't remember this international break with any great fondness.Daily Mail Sport · 6 Oct, 22:21
• Scotland 1-2 Slovenia: Pocognoli's honeymoon ends as Scotland suffer damaging defeatThe elongated international break is plainly not to everyone's liking, but there are some for whom the new arrangement offers no grounds for complaint.Daily Mail Sport · 6 Oct, 22:19
• Slovenia come from behind to beat Scotland in Nations LeagueScotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli remains without a Hampden Park win as Slovenia came from behind to take the points in their Nations League match.Sky Sports · 6 Oct, 22:06
• Scotland slump to damaging Nations League defeat as Spain survive scare against 10-man CroatiaSlovenia fought back in the second half to claim a first win in seven meetings with Scotland after goals from Aljosa Matko and Danijel SturmIndependent Sport · 6 Oct, 22:05
• Sturm warning for Pocognoli as abject Scotland surrender lead to SloveniaThis now constitutes a rocky start for Sébastien Pocognoli as Scotland’s manager. The claiming of four points from three Nations League games was adequate until Slovenia inflicted this defeat. It was the abject nature of Scotland’s display this time that was so stark. Pocognoli’s team were comprehensively outplayed by a side who themselves are no better than functional. Continue reading...The Guardian · 6 Oct, 21:50
• Sebastien Pocognoli believes it is only a matter of time before Oli McBurnie ends his Scotland goal droughtSebastien Pocognoli insists he's not concerned about Oli McBurnie's Scotland goal drought continuing.Daily Mail Sport · 5 Oct, 22:30

In this story: Scotland · Slovenia · Sebastien Pocognoli · Ryan Christie · Aljosa Matko · Danijel Sturm · Andy Robertson · Hampden Park

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