Scotland sunk by Slovenia as Hampden promotion push falters
Scotland's hopes of winning promotion in the Nations League are in tatters after a 2-1 home defeat by Slovenia at Hampden.
Christie gave Scotland the lead. Slovenia hit back to win from behind and leave the home crowd flat, a result BBC Sport confirmed as a second straight competitive home loss.
It was a blunt night for the new head coach. Sebastien Pocognoli, 39, is still waiting for his first home win in charge after back-to-back defeats in Glasgow, according to BBC Sport live coverage.
Captain Andy Robertson did not hide. He said Scotland were "outfought" and "not good enough" in the defeat, BBC Sport reported. Pocognoli agreed, saying Scotland got what they deserved, ESPN reported.
The Nations League is UEFA's competition for national teams, played in groups with promotion and relegation between leagues. Scotland are chasing top spot and a move up to League A, the top tier. That race has now slipped badly.
The run of results tells the story. Scotland started Pocognoli's reign with a goalless draw away to Slovenia at the Stozice Stadium in Ljubljana on 26 September. They then earned a first win under him, 2-0 in North Macedonia, with Kieron Bowie scoring his first Scotland goal to open the scoring.
Then came Hampden, and trouble. Scotland lost 3-0 at home to Switzerland after defender Jack Hendry was sent off early. The Slovenia defeat followed. Together they mean back-to-back competitive home defeats for the first time in seven years, BBC Sport reported.
For fans, this means frustration with a team still learning a new shape. Pocognoli favours three central defenders with two wing-backs, wide defenders pushed high up the pitch to attack. It brought a clean sheet in Ljubljana and a win in North Macedonia. At home, Scotland have looked open and short of control.
What makes this stand out is how quickly the mood has turned. BBC Scotland pundit Andy Halliday said the period of grace for the new boss is now over. Robertson's words cut deeper. When a captain says his side were outfought at home, it lands.
Scotland have two concluding group games next month to rescue the campaign. Two wins could still change the feel around Pocognoli's start. Two more flat nights, and the noise will grow.
