Ten-man Scotland beaten 3-0 by Switzerland in Nations League

Scotland played almost 80 minutes with ten men and lost 3-0 to Switzerland in the Nations League on 29 September.

It was a League B Group 1 game, part of UEFA's national-team competition that splits countries into divisions. Switzerland struck three times after an early red card left Scotland chasing shadows.

Centre-back Jack Hendry was sent off in the 11th minute. Scotland had started with two strikers. Two minutes later, that plan was gone.

Kieron Bowie, the young forward, was withdrawn in the 13th minute. Defender Stephen Welsh came on. Eleven against ten for the rest of the night. It told.

Ricardo Rodriguez opened the scoring with a powerful free-kick. Nico Elvedi added the second, meeting a cross from Dan Ndoye. Substitute Zeki Amdouni got the third to complete a clean sweep, according to BBC Sport.

The goals never really stopped coming. Scotland dug in, but the extra man gave Switzerland more space, more time, more second balls.

It was a perfect start for the hosts in one sense. This was Sebastian Pocognoli's first home game in charge of Switzerland. His team had already won 3-0 in North Macedonia on Matchday 1. Scotland had drawn 0-0 in Slovenia in their opener, UEFA reported.

Switzerland are new to this level. They are playing in League B for the first time after relegation from the top tier. On this evidence, they do not plan to stay long.

There was at least one landmark in dark blue. Andy Robertson made his 99th appearance for Scotland. One more, and he joins the centurions.

Up front, Oli McBurnie was left to lead the line alone after Bowie's exit. He battled impressively as a lone striker and earned a 7 in the BBC's Scotland player ratings. Few others emerged with credit. Hendry got a 2. Goalkeeper Angus Gunn, beaten three times, got a 4.

The recent history between these sides had been tight. They drew 1-1 at Euro 2024. Switzerland had won 3-1 on their previous visit to Glasgow before September 2026, ESPN noted.

What makes this one stand out is how quickly the contest changed shape. One tackle, one red card, one reshuffle. From there Scotland were not really playing Switzerland. They were playing the clock.

For fans, this means a long wait for comfort. With one point from two games, Scotland need results fast if they want promotion. Switzerland, with two wins from two, are setting the early pace.