Sebastien Pocognoli's first game in charge of Scotland ended in familiar frustration, as the national side fell to a 3-0 defeat against Switzerland at Hampden Park, extending their winless run and their goalless streak to four matches.
The evening unraveled almost immediately when defender Jack Hendry was sent off inside the opening minutes. Swiss winger Dan Ndoye burst clear early in the contest, and with no legal way to stop him, Hendry resorted to grabbing his opponent, leaving the referee no choice but to issue a red card. The decision effectively decided the contest before it had properly begun, forcing Scotland to play the vast majority of the match a man short against a Switzerland side ranked among the strongest in the world.
Switzerland, coached by Murat Yakin, wasted little time capitalizing on their numerical advantage. Ricardo Rodriguez converted the resulting free-kick, sending his effort past goalkeeper Angus Gunn on the goalkeeper's side of the wall to give the visitors an early lead. The setback also cost Scotland striker Kieron Bowie, who was substituted immediately after Hendry's dismissal as Pocognoli reshuffled his side to cope with playing 10 against 11.
Despite the daunting circumstances, Scotland did not surrender meekly. John McGinn worked tirelessly in midfield, winning a series of fouls, while Oli McBurnie battled up front in what his teammate described afterward as a