Scotland grabbed an important 2-1 win against North Macedonia at Hampden, yet the display did little to ease worries before their last Nations League match. John McGinn netted twice, including a late penalty, to secure the three points, but the home side again found it hard to convert their efforts into convincing football.
Sebastien Pocognoli’s early spell as Scotland manager had already been challenged by October’s loss to Slovenia. Friday’s outcome avoided another reverse, but the team’s absence of composure, technical quality, and clear structure was still obvious. Scotland needed to beat opponents who had earned no points and scored no goals in their first four group games, but a relaxed evening never came about.
A draw seemed likely when North Macedonia equalised before the half-hour mark. Scotland ultimately found a way through, though the slender win left many questions about their system, individual roles, and capacity to control matches.
Scotland’s win was overshadowed by Gilmour’s miss and McGinn’s goals
The start of the second half produced a series of moments that shifted the mood at Hampden. Billy Gilmour squandered an extraordinary chance from close range, sending the ball over the crossbar when scoring looked simpler. The mistake brought back memories of Chris Iwelumo’s notorious miss against Norway in 2008, leaving the Napoli midfielder with an unwanted spot in Scotland’s list of memorable misses.
Gilmour felt some relief when McGinn put Scotland ahead. The goal raised the atmosphere and seemed to set the hosts on course for a routine win. Scotland had already created chances in the first half, and their recent record against North Macedonia suggested that one goal might be sufficient.
However, the visitors had shown little attacking threat before finding an equaliser. Their record in the opening group matches included no shots on target against Switzerland, one against Slovenia and none against Scotland in Skopje. They had also failed to score in their second meeting with the Swiss.
North Macedonia’s breakthrough therefore came as a surprise. Elmin Rastoder got ahead of a seemingly unaware Scott McTominay to head home at the near post, recording his country’s first Nations League goal in five matches and their first goal in nine games overall. Their previous goal had come a year earlier in a 7-1 defeat against Wales.
John McGinn penalty seals tense Scotland win
Scotland eventually regained the lead through a penalty won by Ben Gannon-Doak. McGinn stepped up and struck the ball powerfully down the middle to secure his second goal of the night and prevent the match from becoming a damaging result for the hosts.
The brace also moved McGinn ahead of Hughie Gallacher in Scotland’s all-time scoring rankings, leaving him just six goals behind Kenny Dalglish and Denis Law. His contribution was one of the few clear positives from an otherwise uncomfortable evening.
Andy Robertson also reached a significant milestone, earning his 102nd cap for Scotland. Yet the team’s overall display offered little to celebrate beyond the result and a handful of passages of coherent football.
Pocognoli again selected a back three, but Scotland looked uncertain in their approach. Gannon-Doak was deployed at wing-back and appeared at times unsure whether his responsibilities were those of a wing-back, full-back, or winger. Much of Scotland’s attacking threat came from individual effort rather than a well-functioning system capable of exposing a struggling opponent.
Nations League table leaves Scotland facing Slovenia threat
McGinn was among those who spoke frankly after the match, while Pocognoli and Robertson also acknowledged the importance of the victory. None appeared particularly satisfied with the performance, but the three points were essential after Rastoder had threatened to derail Scotland’s evening.
The result leaves Scotland one point behind Slovenia with one fixture remaining. Switzerland has already secured the group, meaning the contest for second place is now the main issue. Slovenia holds the advantage and travels to North Macedonia on Monday, while Scotland faces Switzerland in St. Gallen.
The Swiss have nothing further to play for and could potentially select a second-string side, but Scotland’s fate may be decided elsewhere. If Slovenia win, Scotland will be unable to overtake them regardless of their own result.
A third-place finish is therefore a serious possibility. That would leave Scotland facing next month’s European Championship draw with the prospect of being placed in pot three, rather than a more favourable position. The groups are due to be established in Belfast in December.
Scotland still has work to do before that point, particularly in addressing their formation, tactical identity, and the use of players in unfamiliar roles. Friday brought the required result, but the performance suggested that significant improvement will be needed before the trip to Switzerland.