Everything ends somewhere and, three days after Scotland reached a first major tournament in 22 years, their longest unbeaten run in 44 was halted in Slovakia. It may only be a postscript in what feels a heady week for Scottish football as a depleted team were defeated for the first time in 10 matches.
It was, in part, the price they paid for success. “It’s not a backwards step,” said Steve Clarke.
He made eight changes, with the efforts required over 120 minutes in Serbia on Thursday taking their toll. “The party went on into the early hours,” reflected winger Ryan Christie. “It was probably not the best preparation but the other night was history making so we had to make the most of it.”
It was a sign of the progress Scotland have made that an away loss to a Slovakia side ranked above them still felt a mild surprise.
Jan Gregus’ deflected goal gave their hosts hope of avoiding relegation in the Nations League and, after overcoming Northern Ireland on Thursday to book their place in Euro 2020, Slovakia had more to celebrate.
But Scotland had more chances and, deep into injury time, Leigh Griffiths almost equalised with a shot that drew a terrific save from Marek Rodak. “To come away with nothing is harsh,” said Kieran Tierney.
Clarke added: “The chances came along, we just couldn’t quite finish them, but the performance was good.”
Scotland showed their spirit and if part of Clarke’s feat lies in making them harder to beat, this offered proof he has competition for places when he comes to select his final 23 for Euro 2020. Some of Clarke’s understudies enhanced their chances.
The worry, perhaps, came for Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp is already without three-quarters of his first-choice back four and a hamstring problem sidelined Andrew Robertson, even if his absence was more precautionary.
His club may need him more than his country, and Tierney shifted into the wing-back role to demonstrate the riches Scotland have on the left by producing an outstanding performance.
Juraj Kucka was booked for fouling the Arsenal man and Slovakia accumulated five bookings in their attempts to stop Scotland.
Tierney was one of only three to keep his place. David Marshall’s penalty save in Serbia meant his team-mates ended up going around the dressing room chorusing the goalkeeper’s name. Three days later, Marshall was given a well-earned rest and Craig Gordon a first cap for two years.
The 37-year-old parried Kucka’s swerving shot but was motionless when Gregus angled a shot in from 20 yards.
“The deflection takes it into the corner,” rued Gordon, although Scotland afforded the Minnesota United midfielder too much room to shoot. It was only the second goal they had conceded in five games.
At the other end, Scotland were without the suspended Lyndon Dykes. Without the target man, Oli McBurnie’s quest for a first international goal continued.
It ought to have ended when Stuart Armstrong found him in space in the box but McBurnie took an extra touch and Kucka managed to block the resulting shot. Nor did he take a chance when directing a header straight at Rodak. At least the Sheffield United striker had scored in the shootout in Belgrade.
“I am still trying to find out how we didn’t score today,” mused Christie.
After his defence-splitting pass, Armstrong dinked a shot wide in a lively display but the midfielder will be deprived of another opportunity after collecting a booking that rules him out of Wednesday’s meeting with Israel.
Meanwhile, Liam Palmer twice whistled shots over. The Sheffield Wednesday right wing-back has a solitary goal in his career and, in his own way, highlights the imbalance in Scotland’s resources; they have more strength on the left.
Tierney served the supplier in chief with inviting crosses. Tierney set up Palmer’s second chance, centred when Kenny McLean, with a header, drew a brilliant save from Rodak and provided one of the substitute Griffiths’ two late opportunities.
His sharpness showed what he can bring and, with Ryan Fraser, James Forrest, John Fleck and Grant Hanley all absent, Clarke will have further options in each outfield department when he picks his squad next summer. The battle is on.
