Sebastien Pocognoli’s reign as Scotland head coach began with goalless draw against a resolute Slovenia in their Nations League Group B1 opener, with two debutants showing up well on their international debuts.
The Belgian took over from Steve Clarke following Scotland’s World Cup exit, promising a more aggressive and attack-minded approach. While there was little expectation of an overnight transformation, glimpses of Pocognoli’s philosophy emerged after the interval in Ljubljana.
Scotland looked a different side in the second half, dominating possession and territory in Ljubljana after a fragmented opening 45 minutes. Debutants Stephen Welsh and Robbie Ure both started, with the latter coming close to breaking the deadlock when his late effort struck the post.
Oli McBurnie, making his first international appearance in over five years, had perhaps the clearest opportunity to find the net in the second half. After dispossessing a defender on the edge of the penalty area, the Hull City striker found himself one-on-one with Slovenia’s No.1 Jan Oblak.
McBurnie attempted to round the experienced goalkeeper, but a more direct finish — either sliding the ball between Oblak’s legs or lifting it over him — may have offered a better route to goal. It was a costly miss, although McBurnie came close again with a header from close range that flew over the bar.
The chance appeared to ignite Scotland, who grew in confidence after the break. Aaron Hickey headed narrowly wide before substitute Kieron Bowie tested the Slovenian defence with a driven shot that flew agonisingly wide of the target.
It was a significant improvement from the opening period, which had offered little encouragement. The hosts’ thought they had taken an early lead through Andraz Sporar, only for his emphatic finish to be ruled out for offside.
Patience will be essential for Pocnognoli as he tries to implement a different style, The first half may have prompted slight cause for concern, but his players responded to his messaging in the second half to provide the new man in charge with something to build on.
His next opportunity to secure a first victory will come back on home soil at Hampden Park on Tuesday night, when group favourites Switzerland head to Glasgow.
We take a look at how each Scotland player fared in the Slovenian capital:
5. LCB: Stephen Welsh
One of two debutants in the starting line-up, the Swansea defender looked right at home on the international stage. Snuffed out the danger after McKenna's slack pass sparked a counter. Unable to direct a lobbed second half effort on target. Excellent slide rule pass to set up Bowie's first chance. A first cap to be proud of. 7 | PA
6. LWB: Andrew Robertson
Cap 98 for the skipper as he edges closer to overtaking Kenny Dalgleish's record. Cautioned for allowing his frustration to boil after catching Matko with a flailing arm. Improved after the break offensively, with a front post delivery headed wide by McBurnie midway through the second half. 6 | PA
7. CM: Lewis Ferguson
Back in the fold at Bologna, Scotland's star man at the World Cup produced another composed display in the middle of the park. Defended well and carried out a lot of the dirty work. Quietly effective. 7 | PA
8. CM: Billy Gilmour
Back in the middle of the park after missing the World Cup through injury, was looking to carry his impressive club form with Napoli into the national team. Proved he was a major miss. The catalyst behind much of Scotland's positive second half attacking play. Always hungry to receive the ball. Thwarted by a terrific Oblak save as he looked to find the bottom corner. Tremendous weight of pass into the feet of Bowie, who fired wide. 8 | PA