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.
9. CM: John McGinn - 5
Should have had an assist after picking up a loose ball in the Iceland area, only for Hirst to miss a gilt-edged opportunity, but was pretty quiet. Unlucky with a chipped shot late on. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
10. LM: Scott McTominay - 6
Lovely diagonal ball almost found Johnston as he tried to prompt Scotland's limp attack. Drove Scotland forward when he could, but too often nullified having to come in off the left in a narrow midfield four. It made him a stunted force, and McTominay really should be playing more centrally after the season he just had in Naples. | SNS Group
11. CF: George Hirst - 6
Missed a glorious chance to get Scotland level in the first-half when he headed over the bar from just yards out. Went close with a left-foot shot on 25 minutes, and perhaps unlucky with a header just before the hour mark that pulled out a great save from Olafsson. Perhaps a little unlucky to see his goal chalked off, but really should have had at least one goal tonight. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
12. Sub: Cieran Slicker (for Gunn, 6 minutes) - 2
His poor clearance led to the opening goal from Iceland. Made a second weak clearance shortly afterwards, and spilled another. Didn't command his area anywhere near enough for the second, and had a bit of a nightmare for the third as it just fell through his hands. Has only played 10 minutes of senior football this year and, understandably, looked nervous. But it was a nightmare first appearance. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group