Scotland began their preparations for this summer’s World Cup with a disappointing 1-0 friendly defeat by Japan at Hampden on Saturday night.
On a night of few chances for the home side, it was Japan who took the victory when substitute Junya Ito netted past Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn in the 84th minute of the game.
Scott McTominay came closest to scoring for Scotland when he connected to John McGinn’s cross after just eight minutes, but his shot was somehow pushed onto the post by Zion Suzuki in the visitors' net. Japan also hit the post via Ao Tanaka, his shot pinging off the crossbar after some neat interplay by Kodai Sano in the first-half. However, just as the game looked set to end in a stalemate, it was Japan who took the victory with a late strike.
Steve Clarke’s side return to action this Tuesday when they take on Ivory Coast at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 7.30pm.
5. Andy Robertson - 6
The captain reached his milestone 91st cap and is now level with Jim Leighton as Scotland's second most capped player of all time. Ironically had the best chance of a dreadfully poor first-half when his overhit cross almost caught out the goalkeeper, and went close in the second period when he tested Suzuki with a left foot drive after a good run from deep. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
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6. Kenny McLean - 5
The cult hero was jokingly encouraged to shoot from distance regularly, and was serenaded by the home crowd after etching his name in Scottish football folklore with that famous goal against Denmark in November. Didn't quite have the same impact tonight. An average performance, but he kept things simple and did little wrong. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. Lewis Ferguson - 5
Without performing poorly, the game passed him by a little bit. Had no real impact on proceedings. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
8. Scott McTominay - 6
Missed a glorious opportunity open the scoring after just eight minutes - we're still not sure how it didn't go in! Had a header on goal towards the end of the first-half and whipped a powerful free-kick that Suzuki needed to turn over the bar. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group