Scotland 1-3 Iceland PLAYER RATINGS: Which debutant had a horror show? Who suffered a title hangover? Whose long, hard season has taken its toll?
Share this @internewscast.com

Scotland slumped to a dismal defeat by Iceland at Hampden Park with a performance that will raise questions about the future of their manager, Steve Clarke.

While it was only a friendly international, Scotland’s insipid display bodes ill for their forthcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.

Not only were they flat and  short of ideas going forward, they were shambolic in defence, where substitute goalkeeper Cieran Slicker had a horror show.

His was a nervy, error-strewn performance from the moment his poor pass allowed Andri Gudjohnsen  to open the scoring.

Although John Souttar equalised with a header, Lewis Ferguson’s own goal, after a mix-up in the six-yard box, put Iceland back in front.

Victor Palsson then made it 3-1 on bleak night for Scotland. Paul Forsyth assesses the performances of Clarke’s players.

Substitute keeper Cieran Slicker shows his frustration after conceding a third goal at Hampden

Substitute keeper Cieran Slicker shows his frustration after conceding a third goal at Hampden

Defender John Souttar gives Scotland hope with a headed equaliser from close range

Defender John Souttar gives Scotland hope with a headed equaliser from close range

Scott McTominay cuts a lonely figure as he is substituted late in the friendly international

Scott McTominay cuts a lonely figure as he is substituted late in the friendly international

Angus Gunn – 1 
Went off injured in the early minutes after an awkward fall. His replacement, Cieran Slicker, conceded almost immediately

Max Johnston – 6

Saw plenty of the ball and set up the equaliser with a corner. Might have made more of a chance at the back post

John Souttar – 5

Equalised with a close-range header but should have done better in the shambles that gifted Iceland a second goal

Grant Hanley – 4

Part of a thoroughly inept defensive display. Might have scored when he burst forward and tested the goalkeeper.

Kieran Tierney – 6

From left-sided centre-half, his forays forward were the best hope. One overlapping run and cross deserved a better finish.

Andy Robertson – 4

Didn’t hit the byeline often enough and, when he did, nothing came of it. As captain, failed to lift his team

John McGinn – 5

Willing enough, but a long, hard season with Aston Villa looked as though it had taken its toll of Scotland’s talisman

Lewis Ferguson – 5

Tried his best to press, but without success. Inadvertently turned the ball into his own net for Iceland’s second

Billy Gilmour – 5

His job is to set the tempo, but the deep-lying midfielder prompted only a flat, plodding display from those around him.

Scott McTominay – 5

After the euphoria of his Napoli title triumph, here was the hangover. Thought he had set up a goal, but it was disallowed

George Hirst – 6

Should have scored after getting into good positions. Headed his best chance over and had one effort ruled out.

SUBSTITUTES: Slicker (for Gunn, 7min), Miller (Tierney, 68), Adams (Hirst, 68), McKenna (Hanley, 68) Patterson (Johnston, 80), Conway (McTominay 80) Not used: McCrorie, Ralston, Hendry, Irving, Wilson, Barron, Doig, Bowie.

STEVE CLARKE – 3 

Inspired nothing from his team; too loyal to the old guard

ICELAND (4-3-3): Olafsson 7; Palsson 7 (Thorhallsson 60), Magnusson 6 (Gretarsson 46), Ingason 6 (Gunnarsson 77, 5), Ellertsson 7; Thordarson 6 (Anderson 72), Johanneson 6 (Traustason 72), Haraldsson 6; Gudmundsson 6, Gudjohnsen 7, Thorsteinsson 6 (Willumsson 72).

Referee: G Maqedonci (Swe) – 6

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Controversy Erupts: Oscar Piastri’s Instagram Sparks Fury Over Alleged McLaren Sabotage in Latest F1 Catastrophe

Oscar Piastri expressed his frustration after McLaren’s mishap at the Qatar Grand…

Charlie Puth to Perform National Anthem at Super Bowl Following Bad Bunny Halftime Show Controversy

The NFL has revealed the lineup for the pregame entertainment at Super…

Martin O’Neill: Celtic Must Act Fast to Overcome Current Challenges and Rebuild

Martin O’Neill believes that for Celtic to regain their competitive edge in…

Joe Root Challenges Pink-Ball Ashes Test Amid England’s Quest to Break 40-Year Gabba Jinx

As England braces for the pivotal day/night Test match at Brisbane’s Gabba…

Max Verstappen Triumphs in Qatar as McLaren Slip-Up Derails Lando Norris; Championship Race Heats Up for Final Showdown

McLaren appears to be its own worst enemy, as their missteps have…

Honoring a Legend: Robin van Persie Celebrates Feyenoord vs Celtic as a Tribute to Mentor Wim Jansen

The epic 1970 European Cup final remains a defining moment for both…

Jamie Carragher’s Fiery Critique: Liverpool’s Performance Under Fire and Arne Slot’s Future Assessed

Jamie Carragher has been analyzing the reasons behind Liverpool’s recent struggles following…

Unveiling Coventry City’s Remarkable Title Pursuit: Frank Lampard’s Tactical Versatility, Goal-Scoring Prowess, and the Crucial Player Propelling Their Success—Plus the Potential Challenge Ahead

The adage about dogs mirroring their owners often applies to football teams…