Sebastien Pocognoli’s first match as Scotland head coach ended in a goalless draw against Slovenia in Ljubljana, with the visitors left to rue a series of missed chances after a much-improved second-half display.
Scotland had to settle for a point in their opening Nations League fixture, despite creating enough opportunities after the break to take all three points.
The opening 45 minutes were a frustrating watch for Scotland, who struggled to build any real momentum and were fortunate that Slovenia failed to make more of their opportunities.
Slovenia had an early goal ruled out for offside, while Scotland struggled to impose themselves in possession.
Robbie Ure provided one of the few bright moments of the opening period when he struck the post, but Scotland went into the interval level at 0-0.
Pocognoli’s side emerged from the break with considerably more purpose.
Billy Gilmour was central to Scotland’s improvement, helping to drive the visitors forward as they began to dominate possession and create openings.
Oli McBurnie was presented with Scotland’s biggest opportunity when he won the ball near the edge of the Slovenia box and found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
The Scotland striker attempted to go around Oblak, but the experienced goalkeeper made an excellent save to deny him.
McBurnie went close again later in the half, heading a corner towards goal, only for Oblak to produce another impressive reflex stop.
Scotland continued to push forward, with Kieron Bowie replacing Ure and immediately becoming involved in the action.
A superb pass from Gilmour sent Bowie through, but Oblak came off his line to make the save.
Bowie then had another huge opportunity when he found himself with just Oblak to beat from close range, but he scuffed his effort wide.
Scotland continued to dominate as the final whistle approached, sending crosses into the Slovenia penalty area and forcing the hosts increasingly deep.
Despite the pressure, the breakthrough never arrived.
Stephen Welsh saw a late volley fly over the crossbar, while Scotland continued to threaten from set pieces and crosses during the closing stages.
In the end, Slovenia held on for a point, leaving Scotland frustrated after a second half in which they had been the much better side.
Pocognoli therefore begins his Scotland tenure with a draw, but there were clear signs of improvement after the interval.
The major frustration will be the missed opportunities, with McBurnie and Bowie both having chances that could have changed the outcome.
Scotland leave Ljubljana with a point, but will know this was an opportunity missed.
Final score: Slovenia 0-0 Scotland
Key moment
Oli McBurnie’s one-on-one chance in the second half. The striker had the opportunity to give Scotland the lead but was denied by Jan Oblak.
Man of the Match
Billy Gilmour — The midfielder was instrumental in Scotland’s improved second-half performance, providing the pass for Bowie’s chance and helping Scotland take control of the game after the break.
