John McGinn scored twice, the second from the penalty spot, as Scotland beat North Macedonia 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League at Hampden Park on Friday 13 November. Elmin Rastoder had briefly equalised for the visitors, and captain Andy Robertson won his 102nd cap to draw level with Sir Kenny Dalglish's Scotland appearance record.
Match facts
- Result: Scotland 2-1 North Macedonia (half-time 0-0)
- Competition: UEFA Nations League B, Group B1, Matchday 5
- Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow
- Attendance: 41,585 (UEFA)
- Kick-off: 19:45 UK
- Scorers: Scotland - McGinn 54', 74' (pen); North Macedonia - Rastoder 57'
- Referee: Michal Očenáš
- Next: Switzerland v Scotland and North Macedonia v Slovenia, Monday 16 November, 19:45 UK
How the match unfolded
Sébastien Pocognoli's side were goalless at the break despite a string of chances. According to Sky Sports, Stole Dimitrievski saved twice from Scott McTominay and once from Ché Adams in the first half, and the home side were booed off at the interval. Billy Gilmour then shot over from close range soon after the restart.
The breakthrough came in the 54th minute. Sky Sports reported that Adams held off his marker and poked the ball into McGinn's path, and the Aston Villa midfielder curled his shot into the net. North Macedonia levelled within three minutes, when Rastoder glanced in a header from a corner.
The winner came from the spot. According to Sky Sports, Dimitrievski brought down Ben Gannon-Doak, and after a VAR review McGinn converted the penalty in the 74th minute.
McGinn told BBC Sport afterwards: "It is a building block and tonight was always about three points."
A record night for Robertson
The Scottish FA said before the game that Robertson would equal Dalglish's record of 102 caps if he played. He started and captained the side. Speaking at Hampden on Thursday, Robertson said: "In terms of number, I'll stand side by side by him but I don't want to forget and I don't want people to forget how important this man has been for our country."
It was also Pocognoli's first win on home soil, something he had named as a target on the eve of the match. "The first win at home, for me, with the lads will be very important," he told the Scottish FA.
What the result means
UEFA's official standings after Friday's games show Switzerland top of Group B1 with 13 points after a 0-0 draw in Slovenia, which leaves them out of reach. Slovenia are second on 8 points, Scotland third on 7 and North Macedonia bottom without a point.
Scotland, who lost 2-1 to Slovenia at Hampden in October, finish in St. Gallen on Monday. A win there would lift them above Slovenia unless the Slovenians also win in Skopje.
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