Scotland serve up reasons to be a little worried ahead of World Cup

Scotland and friendlies don’t go. We know that. But after a promising start as Scotland felt their way back into the 3-5-2 system that had been dusted down to try to cope with the physical challenge of Ivory Coast, things began to go awry just 12 minutes in as Nicolas Pepe bundled in the opener for the so-called home team.

Although Scotland made a spirited enough attempt to rectify matters, the early goal remained the difference. There was more booing when the final whistle sounded although this must be countered by noting that plenty saluted the players at the end too. These fans had been united in the desire to see Scotland score a goal at least. Sadly their heroes have not been able to provide it in 180 minutes plus of friendly football. There might be a case for a pre-World Cup inquest. Clarke’s Scotland might have been playing in England. If he were the England manager, there's a good chance he would be greeted with the headline: Les Elephants 1 Les Donkeys 0.

This would of course be harsh. The number of Scottish supporters present inside he impressive Hill Dickinson stadium challenged the notion that Ivory Coast were official hosts. However, the ease with which the African side started to stroke the ball around made it seem as if they have been playing in the newly built Hill Dickinson stadium for years. Scotland legends looked on. Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Sharp and Duncan Ferguson, boasting 121 caps between them, were in attendance. Doing anything this summer lads?

They watched a very unfamiliar-looking Scotland side make a bright start. George Hirst in particular shone. It already appears academic that he will be on the plane to the United States. He’s certainly not afraid to take his man on and might have equalised shortly after the hour mark but hurriedly slashed his shot wide from just outside the box having pinched the ball from a throw in. He gets himself into the sort of positions a centre forward should. A little more composure and Clarke could be onto something with him.

The Ipswich Town forward barrelled through the Ivory Coast defence early on to set up a shooting chance for Ryan Christie. His low shot was well saved to his left by Alban Lafont. Kieran Tierney, back at left centre back, then shot past the far post before Scott McTominay, one of only two survivors from Saturday’s defeat to Japan along with skipper Andy Robertson, pulled an effort well wide.

It was better and a sign Scotland were seeking to atone for an unambitious performance against Japan. The road to the World Cup is paved with good intentions. It’s just that the Scots are currently struggling to make good on them. Momentum might not be everything but it is helpful.

An important note: Japan and Ivory Coast are good sides

Clarke will point to the fact that big players like McTominay and John McGinn only played part of this most recent game. He will also rightly remind people that Japan and Ivory Coast are very good sides. He mentioned that his players are asking him for a break from this relentless friendly itinerary featuring top class opposition. This latest assignment won’t have persuaded them to alter this opinion. If Scotland are intent on returning to this area again, maybe Toxteth Athletic want a game.

Ivory Coast took a while to get going but a Pepe effort as he drove into the box from the right that was blocked by John Souttar was an indication of their menace. The warning was not heeded. They took the lead shortly afterwards with a quick break that saw them inflict maximum punishment on an exposed Scotland. The industrious Pepe fed Elye Wahi whose shot on the turn took an age to reach the back post. The ball eventually hit it before running along the goal line.

Pepe was on hand to ram the ball home before any Scotland player could get near him. Small details like this can be the difference between winning and losing. Ivory Coast were on their toes, Scotland were not.

There was a degree of fortune involved. McTominay hit the post early on against Japan on Saturday night but the ball screwed off the woodwork to safety rather than into the net or back out to a Scotland player. Scotland were though lucky to avoid going 2-0 down on 25 minutes when Wahi’s 25-yard effort landed on top of the goalnet. Liam Kelly was glad to see the ball end up where it did. The Rangers No 2 did not have much to do before being replaced by Scott Bain at half time, although a panicked kick straight out exposed his rustiness.

Bain was relieved to see Souttar make a good block from Wahi early in the second half. The roar Nathan Patterson received when he replaced Ross McCrorie after 61 minutes suggested many Evertonians had responded to manager David Moyes’ call to come out and support Scotland. They might be minded to stick with Everton now.

Substitute Guela Doue should have put his side two up after 65 minutes when he got above Dom Hyam for what to all intents and purposes was a free header. His effort cleared the bar. Bain tipped wide from former Rangers player Amad Diallo late on and then watched his left post shake after Simon Adingra’s powerful effort. Try as they did, Scotland’s lack of quality seemed as exposed as the impressive new stadium’s setting on the edge of the Mersey.