Sebastien Pocognoli endured a difficult first match at Hampden as Scotland fell to a convincing defeat against Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League.
After beginning his tenure with a goalless draw away to Slovenia, the Scotland coach was hoping for a positive home performance. Those plans quickly unravelled following a dramatic incident involving Jack Hendry.
Dan Ndoye raced beyond the Scottish defence and was brought down by Hendry as he advanced towards goalkeeper Angus Gunn. Referee Nenad Minakovic initially awarded Switzerland a penalty and showed Hendry a yellow card. However, a VAR review changed both decisions. The foul was judged to have taken place outside the area, resulting in a free kick, while Hendry was sent off.
Switzerland immediately took advantage as experienced defender Ricardo Rodriguez produced a powerful strike from the resulting set piece to give the visitors the lead.
Pocognoli responded by replacing forward Kieron Bowie with Stephen Welsh as Scotland reorganised defensively. Despite playing with ten men, the hosts managed to limit Switzerland for the remainder of the opening period and occasionally threatened going forward.
The pressure eventually told after the interval. Ten minutes into the second half, Ndoye delivered an accurate ball into the area and Nico Elvedi finished clinically to double Switzerland’s advantage.
Scotland struggled to create opportunities after conceding again, while the visitors controlled possession and dictated the tempo. Zeki Amdouni later added a third goal with an excellent finish, prompting many home supporters to leave Hampden before the final whistle.
The result leaves Scotland with one point and sitting third in Group B1.
Pocognoli will now turn his attention to Saturday’s trip to Skopje to face North Macedonia. Scotland then return to Hampden next Tuesday for another meeting with Slovenia as they continue their search for a first victory and first goal under their new head coach.
