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.
13. Other substitutes:
Lennon Miller (for Tierney, 68) - The talented midfielder got his first taste of international action, which was one positive from a pretty dreary night - 4. Che Adams (for Hirst, 68) - A couple of blocked attempts but the game was largely done by the time he arrived on the field - 4. Scott McKenna (for Hanley, 68) - A late sub for the laboured Hanley. 4 Nathan Patterson (for Johnston, 79) - Good to see him make his return after over a year out of international action. n/a Tommy Conway (for McTominay, 79) - Another cap for the young Middlesbrough striker. n/a | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group