New era, same old failing: The Scotland weakness Sebastien Pocognoli must address

Sebastien Pocognoli made his debut as Scotland manager in a UEFA Nations League Group B1 match against Slovenia at the Stozice Stadium in Ljubljana. Pocognoli, who succeeded Steve Clarke last month, introduced a 3-4-1-2 formation and handed international debuts to Steven Welsh and Robbie Ure, while Oliver McBurnie returned after a six-and-a-half-year absence.

Slovenia created several first-half opportunities, including an Andraz Sporar goal ruled offside, a shot into the side netting by Aljosa Matko, and a Vanja Drkusic header that struck the post. Scotland defenders Jack Hendry, Scott McKenna, and Welsh made vital interventions as the visitors entered halftime level without scoring.