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.
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9. John McGinn - 6
Took an early blow to the head, but soldiered on and put in a lovely dinked cross from McTominay that should have opened the scoring. Probably Scotland's best player, until he was taken off just after the hour mark. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
10. Tommy Conway - 4
Played off the left for the first time, but pretty anonymous for large parts of the game. Conway will be disappointed not to have made more of an impact. A lacklustre audition. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
11. Lyndon Dykes - 4
Battled for the ball, as he often does, but lost too many of his battle, and struggled to hold onto the ball all game. Not given much service either. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
12. Scotland subs:
George Hirst - 6 (Offered more physically and was unlucky with a shot that hit the side netting). Ryan Christie - 5 (Came on for the final 25 minutes but didn't influence proceedings too much) Kieran Tierney - N/A (Late sub) Billy Gilmour - N/A (Late sub) Findlay Curtis - N/A (Made his debut as a late sub) Anthony Ralston - N/A ( Late sub) | SNS Group