Scotland’s limp performance was punished by a clinical Iceland side as the visitors ran out comfortable 3-1 winners in Friday night’s international friendly at Hampden Park.
The atmosphere was subdued at Hampden, and the mood didn’t improve when Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn was forced off with an ankle injury after just six minutes. His replacement Cieran Slicker, making his Scotland debut, endured a night to forget, being at fault for all three Iceland goals.
Andri Guðjohnsen fired the visitors into the lead on eight minutes with a sumptuous strike from the edge of the area after Slicker’s weak pass out was pounced upon - and the groans from the crowd were audible.
Scotland, however, levelled on 26 minutes. An outstanding corner from Max Johnston found John Souttar and he planted home only his second international goal from close range.
Iceland took the lead just before half time. A comedy of errors in the home defence resulted in Lewis Ferguson bundling the ball into his own net after Slicker failed to command his area on the stroke of half-time as Steve Clarke’s side went in behind.
It would get even worse on 52 minutes when Victor Pálsson’s header went straight through the hands of Slicker. George Hirst then saw a goal disallowed for offside to complete a miserable night for the Tartan Army.
Here’s how The Scotsman rated the performance of each player in the 3-1 defeat to Iceland at Hampden Park.
5. LCB: Kieran Tierney - 5
Won his 50th cap. Did well with a looping cross that almost presented Johnston with a first international goal, but looked a little rusty by his usual high standards. | PA Photo: PA
6. LWB: Andy Robertson - 5
A fairly quiet, end-of-season type performance from the captain that was neither poor, nor effective. An average display that he'll be disappointed with, considering his usual high standards. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. RM: Lewis Ferguson - 5
Largely quiet in an awkward wide-right position. Neat enough on the ball, and unlucky with the own goal, but largely ineffective in an unfamiliar role. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
8. CM: Billy Gilmour - 5
Neat with his passing as always, but the Napoli midfielder just didn't really get going tonight at Hampden. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group