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
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
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
