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:
9. CAM: John McGinn
Slotting into the No.10 role slightly higher up the pitch, but largely ineffective in the first half. Sparked the attack that led to Hickey's chance and picked out Ure for his opportunity. Needs to contribute more. 6 | PA
10. CF: Robbie Ure
Sevilla forward was earning his eagerly anticipated first cap just over a month after his move to La Liga. Caught the eye with his movement and hold-up play. Denied a debut goal by the post from a drilled low shot before half-time after cutting in from the right. There was a real elegance about his play. An encouraging start to his senior international career. 7 | PA
11. CF: Oliver McBurnie
His 17th cap finally arrived five-and-a-half years after his last. Positive signs that his partnership with Ure can develop over time. Displayed good strength to set up Hickey's chance late in the first half. Waltzed through on goal shortly after the restart, but failed to carry the ball round Oblak. Headed off target from Robertson's front post delivery. Free header from a corner straight was straight at keeper. A busy outing on his comeback. 6 | PA
12. Scotland Subs
Kieron Bowie - Sassuolo hitman replaced Ure and was very lively, but will be scratching his head after spurning three great opportunities. Denied twice by Oblak before pulling a shot wide from the edge of the box with the goal at his mercy. Staked a strong claim to start vs Switzerland 7 Ben Gannon-Doak - Took over from Hickey in the right wing-back position for the final 10 mins. Offered a decent threat. 5 | PA