Scotland surrendered a first-half advantage as Slovenia fought back to claim a 2-1 Nations League victory at Hampden Park, handing Sebastien Pocognoli a second successive home defeat since taking charge.
The evening had begun with a celebration for captain Andy Robertson, who was recognised for reaching 100 international appearances. Former Scotland managers Gordon Strachan, Alex McLeish and Steve Clarke returned for the presentation, but the occasion ultimately ended in disappointment.
Scotland initially looked capable of giving Robertson a victory to mark the milestone. Ryan Christie opened the scoring after Ben Gannon-Doak delivered from the flank and Slovenia failed to clear the resulting scramble inside the penalty area. Christie reacted quickly to steer the ball home and put the hosts ahead.
However, Scotland were unable to build on their advantage. Pocognoli has sought to introduce a more aggressive and energetic approach, but his side struggled to maintain their structure and allowed Slovenia increasing control as the game developed.
The visitors, much sharper than during the teams’ goalless meeting in Ljubljana four days earlier, eventually punished Scotland’s defensive problems.
Danijel Sturm unlocked the home defence with a precise pass that released Aljosa Matko, who beat Angus Gunn to bring Slovenia level.
Scotland failed to respond to that warning and soon found themselves behind. After Matko had another effort correctly ruled out for offside, Slovenia attacked down Scotland’s right and exposed another large gap in the defensive shape. This time Matko supplied Sturm, who was given enough space to advance and finish the move for 2-1.
Pocognoli turned to his bench as Scotland searched for a response, with Hearts winger Josh McPake making his international debut and providing some much-needed attacking energy.
McPake and fellow substitute Findlay Curtis were both involved in incidents that prompted penalty appeals, but neither resulted in a spot-kick and Scotland could not produce a late equaliser.
The defeat completes a difficult four-match window for Pocognoli and increases pressure on Scotland ahead of the Euro 2028 qualification draw later this year. Their Nations League results leave them facing the prospect of being placed in pot three, which could significantly increase the difficulty of their qualifying group.
For Pocognoli, the result also underlined how much work remains to establish the high-intensity style he wants. Instead of ending the window with signs of progress, Scotland were left reflecting on familiar defensive weaknesses and another damaging night at Hampden.