Scotland Seek First Pocognoli Win and End Four-Game Goal Drought

Scotland head to Skopje on Saturday seeking the first win of the Pocognoli era and, just as urgently, a goal to end an alarming attacking drought. A draw in Slovenia followed by a 3-0 home loss to Switzerland has left the national side without a goal in four matches, matching a sequence not seen since May 1971.

Key takeaways

• Scotland have drawn their opening match under Pocognoli and then lost 3-0 to Switzerland.
• Jack Hendry was sent off early against Switzerland and is suspended for the North Macedonia fixture.
• A third successive match without victory would place Pocognoli alongside John Prentice, Berti Vogts and George Burley.
• The Scots are unbeaten in their past three games against North Macedonia, a run dating back to September 2008.
• Slovenia visit Scotland on Tuesday, October 6, after the trip to Skopje.

Win needed to build confidence

Pocognoli has rejected the suggestion that Scotland are under an absolute requirement to beat North Macedonia, but he accepts that a positive result is needed before long. The Belgian said he does not feel personal pressure because the task extends beyond the current international camp and must be approached gradually.

He believes a first victory would have significance beyond the standings. Pocognoli said the players need the reassurance of a win, arguing that success brings enjoyment and that enjoyment gives players greater freedom to make decisions on the field while helping the wider process move faster.

Scotland felt they deserved to take all three points from their opening match in Slovenia. Had that happened, Pocognoli suggested, the mood around the camp and discussion of the early results would be different.

Skopje test offers chance to stop record drought

The visit to North Macedonia carries added weight because Scotland have never previously gone five consecutive matches without scoring. Their current four-game blank is only the second of its kind in the team’s history, following the run recorded in May 1971.

Hendry’s absence creates another selection issue after his early dismissal in the Switzerland defeat. Scotland must improve at both ends in what is likely to be a demanding away match, particularly against a North Macedonia defence that has to be breached if the visitors are to avoid an unwanted record.

There are encouraging recent trends for Pocognoli’s side. Scotland have lost only one of their last seven away games, while they have not been beaten by North Macedonia in three meetings since September 2008. A win in Skopje would ease the pressure around the scoreless run and give the squad a lift before Slovenia arrive on October 6.