Scotland secure narrow Nations League win over North Macedonia as Robertson hits 100 caps

This was an occasion on which Scotland dare not stumble. By the time Kieron Bowie smashed home a seventh minute opener against a North Macedonia side not without its troubles to seek, it was already clear they would not. Bowie afforded Sébastien Pocognoli his first goal as the Scotland manager. Later, the Belgian had his maiden victory confirmed. Anything else, against such a dismal level of opposition, would have been worthy of significant Scottish embarrassment.

John McGinn’s 22nd goal for his country, coming from the penalty spot, meant the scoreline at least almost reflected Scotland’s dominance. Only Scott McKenna’s late sending off and a failure to notch three, four or five could have irked Pocognoli. Scotland remain alive and kicking in section B1 of the Nations League while aware they will face far, far stiffer challenges. Scotland needed to be professional in North Macedonia and met that task appropriately.

On the occasion of Andy Robertson’s 100th cap, it appeared in the early stages that the Tottenham full-back had been stung by criticism of recent performances in Scotland colours. Robertson marauded forward at will, including inside five minutes where he forced Stole Dimitrievski into a fine save. McGinn, like Robertson, has been the subject of some scathing words. McGinn’s response was as forceful as his teammate.

It was Bowie, though, who afforded Scotland crucial early leeway. Jack Hendry’s red card in the early stages of Tuesday’s loss to Switzerland led to Bowie being withdrawn from the Scotland attack. Pocognoli retained faith in Bowie in Skopje. Bowie had plenty to do when collecting Billy Gilmour’s pass, 25 yards from goal and with two defenders in close proximity. He set himself before firing a terrific left-foot shot beyond the helpless Dimitrievski.

McGinn’s outrageous pass from the right-back position to Robertson, who was operating as a left winger, should have ensured a Scotland second. Robertson opted to shoot and dragged his shot wide when a square pass to Oli McBurnie was the more sensible option. As Ben Gannon-Doak and Bowie missed opportunities, North Macedonia opted for two substitutions with just half an hour played.

Scotland’s lack of ruthlessness was their only concern. Gannon-Doak was clean through on Dimitrievski within five minutes of the restart but shot tamely at the goalkeeper. Gannon-Doak and Scotland soon believed they had won a penalty, only for the video assistant referee to rightly highlight the Bournemouth player had stood on the foot of Matej Gashtarov rather than vice versa. North Macedonia were clinging on as Bowie tested Dimitrievski from close range.

Officialdom was soon to smile on Scotland. The match referee had originally given a foul against McKenna for a foul as the centre-back nodded the ball down towards Bowie from a Scotland corner. Not only was that decision reversed but Bojan Miovski was penalised for blocking Bowie’s shot with an arm. McGinn finished low and hard to close this game as a contest. Only three players have scored more Scotland goals than the Aston Villa midfielder.

Ryan Christie’s arrival at half-time added composure and creativity to the Scotland midfield. Christie looks the ideal candidate to link play in Pocognoli’s final third. It will be a surprise if Christie does not start when Slovenia visit Glasgow on Tuesday. Angus Gunn, whose position as the Scotland goalkeeper was questioned before this game, had nothing whatsoever of consequence to do.

McKenna will miss Slovenia’s visit after upending Agon Elezi, six minutes from time. The episode was regarded as the denial of an obvious scoring opportunity. Robertson’s slack pass had landed his teammate in bother.

Robertson later admitted he owes McKenna an apology before reflecting on his cap milestone. “It means everything to me and my family,” said the 32-year-old. “It has been an unbelievable journey. It is emotional for me because I love this country and this is a special achievement. I believe I still have a lot to give.”

Handily for Pocognoli, Scotland did not need 11 men to win. McGinn was denied his second of the evening in stoppage time. North Macedonia, who have now gone seven games without scoring a goal, are a desperate lot.