From BBC Sport · · 1m 10s
Pocognoli's Scotland debut: 0-0 draw with Slovenia
New Scotland coach Pocognoli leads team to 0-0 draw against Slovenia after tactical tweaks.
In brief
New Scotland coach Pocognoli leads team to 0-0 draw against Slovenia after tactical tweaks. Scotland's second-half improvement under Pocognoli secured a draw despite scoring issues. Originally reported by BBC Sport.
Pocognoli's first game
New Scotland coach Sebastien Pocognoli called the Slovenia match 'two games in one game' after a second-half improvement.
“First half, was not what we expected in terms of structure”
Second-half shift
Scotland took control after halftime with better defense and attacking chances despite a 0-0 draw.
“We fixed this and you can see that the second half was much better”
Billy Gilmour returns
Billy Gilmour returned from injury to play key midfield role after World Cup warm-up.
“He was getting the ball, playing forward passes and following his pass to the strikers”
Stephen Welsh debut
Stephen Welsh made his debut in a back three formation to improve Scotland's defense.
“They were in a really good starting position”
Oli McBurnie's return
Oli McBurnie returned after a year to create chances but missed scoring opportunities.
“He nicked possession and went through but failed to round Jan Oblak”
Scoring concerns
Scotland has not scored in four competitive games, raising questions about finishing ability.
“It's about being really clinical, so for these strikers it's important when you get games like this to take your chances”
Tactical adjustments
Pocognoli shifted Gilmour deeper and McBurnie closer to goal to improve team structure.
“We fixed the position of Billy to be a little bit lower and to have Oli McBurnie a little bit more in his box”
Key players
Gilmour, Welsh, and McBurnie created chances but Scotland's scoring remains a problem.
“He's a fantastic player, I really like him”
The bottom line
Scotland's second-half improvement under Pocognoli secured a draw despite scoring issues.
