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

Rangers Eye Statement Victory Over Celtic to Signal Title Ambitions, Says Barry Ferguson

In the serene setting of the Rangers’ museum, Barry Ferguson reflects on…

Outrage Erupts as Referee’s Secret Filming of Female Footballers Leads to Lenient Sentence

A former player of the SCR Altach women’s football team has voiced…

Ex-Man United Captain Advocates for New Contract for Harry Maguire Amid Criticism

Steve Bruce, who once wore the captain’s armband for Manchester United, insists…

Pat McAfee Unleashed: Inside the ESPN Feud, Aaron Rodgers’ Secretive Marriage, and His Candid Self-Reflection

Pat McAfee’s original aspirations took an unexpected turn several years ago. “I…

Michael Jordan’s Humble Humor Shines After NASCAR Triumph: ‘I Just Put Up the Money

Tyler Reddick has etched his name into NASCAR history by clinching his…

Arsenal’s Tactical Shift: From Bergkamp’s Flair to Declan Rice’s Rugby-Inspired Role – An Analysis by Dominic King

It’s been 24 years since Arsenal etched a stunning moment into Premier…

Ian Wright Expresses Concerns Over Arsenal’s Title Race Chances Due to Repeated Issues

Ian Wright has expressed his concern over Arsenal’s recent tendency to exhibit…

Premier League to Unveil New Streaming Service in Singapore Next Season, with Plans for Global Expansion

The Premier League is set to shake up the football broadcasting landscape…

Explosive Revelations: Boris Becker Discusses Infidelity, Diddy’s Legendary Parties, and Jail Ordeal in Candid Louis Theroux Interview

Boris Becker has addressed rumors regarding claims that he was unfaithful to…