Matko and Sturm lead Slovenia comeback to beat Scotland 2-1

Slovenia overturned a half-time deficit to beat Scotland 2-1 at Hampden Park on Tuesday, with Aljosa Matko and Danijel Sturm scoring after Ryan Christie had put the hosts ahead. The Slovenian Football Association confirmed that the result was Slovenia's first victory over Scotland, following four draws and two defeats in their previous six meetings.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aaQ_Yxs2D4

The federation's match report recorded Christie's opener in the 31st minute, Matko's equaliser in the 56th and Sturm's winner in the 71st. Slovenia finished the evening second in Nations League Group B1 on seven points from four matches, behind Switzerland. Matko and Sturm supplied each other's goals as the visitors secured all three points in Glasgow.

According to Sky Sports, Christie had been brought into Scotland's starting line-up to provide creativity, while Jack Hendry returned from suspension. Hendry's header struck the post before Christie finished from close range. Andy Robertson subsequently blocked Zan Vipotnik to preserve the lead, and Jan Oblak saved from Christie after the interval before Slovenia drew level.

The Slovenian federation described Sturm sending Matko through for a low finish past Angus Gunn. Sturm then missed an opportunity to put the visitors ahead, and Matko had another finish ruled out for offside. The decisive move reversed their roles: Matko advanced along the right and crossed for Sturm to finish. Scotland's late pressure did not produce an equaliser.

Sky Sports reported that Scotland had penalty appeals involving Findlay Curtis and Josh McPake turned down. The defeat left Sebastien Pocognoli still seeking his first Hampden victory, with one win from his opening four matches. Afterwards, the Scotland coach acknowledged shortcomings both in possession and without the ball, saying his side had not deserved more from the match.

Scotland will complete their group campaign against North Macedonia at home on November 13 and Switzerland away on November 16, according to Sky Sports. Slovenia's federation said its remaining November fixtures are at home to Switzerland and away to North Macedonia. David Zec and Erik Janza will miss the Switzerland match through suspension after receiving yellow cards at Hampden.