Pocognoli begins Scotland reign with goalless draw in Slovenia

Scotland opened their Nations League Group B1 campaign with a 0-0 draw away to Slovenia on Saturday, September 26, as Sébastien Pocognoli took charge for the first time. The result at Stadion Stožice in Ljubljana gave both teams a point at the start of the competition.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCr7IPBO6rU

According to the Guardian’s match report, Scotland improved after a difficult opening half but could not beat Jan Oblak. Debutant Robbie Ure struck a post from distance before the interval, while Slovenia’s Andraz Sporar had an early effort ruled out for offside and subsequently missed a close-range chance.

Oli McBurnie had an opportunity soon after the restart, only for Oblak to take the ball as the striker attempted to go around him. Billy Gilmour also tested the goalkeeper following an exchange with McBurnie. Aaron Hickey was unable to direct a chance from John McGinn’s corner on target.

The Guardian reported further chances for Kieron Bowie and McBurnie, with Oblak continuing to keep Scotland out. Bowie missed an opportunity after a Gilmour pass with 12 minutes remaining. Pocognoli later replaced Hickey with Ben Gannon-Doak, adding an attacking option, but the visitors were unable to find a winning goal.

The match followed a substantial reshaping of Scotland’s squad. The Scottish FA said Pocognoli’s initial 28-player selection included seven uncapped players and 14 who had not been part of the summer’s World Cup squad. Seven of those selected were still eligible for Under-21 football, alongside established internationals including captain Andy Robertson and McGinn.

McBurnie’s return was another feature of that selection. The Scottish FA noted that the Hull City forward had last appeared for Scotland in 2021 and had scored 18 goals during his club’s promotion season. Gilmour was also recalled after missing the World Cup through injury, giving Pocognoli another experienced midfield option.

Scotland now return to Glasgow to face Switzerland at Hampden on September 29. The Scottish FA’s published schedule then takes them to North Macedonia on October 3 before a home meeting with Slovenia on October 6. Saturday’s draw was the first of four fixtures in that opening international window.