Scotland held to 0-0 draw in Pocognoli’s first match

Scotland opened Sebastien Pocognoli’s tenure as manager with a 0-0 draw against Slovenia in Ljubljana, recovering from a difficult first half to create chances after the break but failing to score. Pocognoli said Scotland struggled to press effectively against Slovenia’s shape before halftime. Adjustments at the interval helped the team move higher up the pitch and exert more control, he said. Scotland’s improved second-half display offered an encouraging start to the new manager’s tenure, though the missed opportunities left the visitors without a win. The manager said Scotland created chances that it should have converted, but did not want to make the missed finishes a major criticism of the attackers. He also praised their contribution to the team’s pressing and said the overall performance was positive. The match was Scotland’s first under Pocognoli and part of an extended international window. Scotland’s attack included Oli McBurnie, making his first appearance for the national side since 2021, and Robbie Ure, who made his debut. Kieron Bowie came on as a substitute.