Scotland earned their first point under new manager Sébastien Pocognoli with a goalless draw away to Slovenia in their UEFA Nations League opener. The result in Ljubljana ends a 12-match run for Scotland without a draw, which had consisted of seven wins and five losses. The team's defensive unit, featuring debutant Steven Welsh alongside Jack Hendry and Scott McKenna, held firm to secure the clean sheet, a positive sign as fans assess the new-look squad.
Pocognoli handed senior international debuts to Sevilla striker Robbie Ure and Swansea City defender Steven Welsh, who started in a 3-4-1-2 formation. Scotland dominated possession with 65 percent of the ball and created 17 attempts, but found Slovenia's goalkeeper Jan Oblak in fine form. The Atletico Madrid keeper made five saves to preserve the clean sheet. Robbie Ure struck the post from the edge of the area early in the second half in Scotland's best chance, a moment that will be added to his early stats profile.
Oli McBurnie, winning his first cap in five years, had a point-blank effort saved and had several other opportunities. Kieron Bowie also missed the target after being set up by Billy Gilmour as Scotland increased the pressure in the final twenty minutes without finding a breakthrough. Scotland captain Andrew Robertson received a yellow card for dissent in the first half.
The point leaves Scotland third in their Nations League group with one point from this opening match. Their next fixture is a quick turnaround, hosting Switzerland at Hampden Park on Tuesday, a key game already marked on the fixtures list. The Scotland National Team posted on social media after the match: "FULL TIME: Slovenia 0-0 Scotland. It ends honours-even in Ljubljana."
