Slovenia claim historic first win over Scotland at Hampden Park
Slovenia secured their first victory over Scotland with a 2-1 comeback win at Hampden Park, leaving the hosts facing a difficult task in their UEFA Nations League promotion bid.
Danijel Sturm created the equaliser for Aljosa Matko before scoring the winner himself, overturning Ryan Christie’s first-half opener and putting Slovenia within reach of a promotion play-off place.
Match highlight
Scotland had offered little during the opening half-hour but nevertheless took the lead with their first effort on target.
Jack Hendry’s header struck the post, and both Oli McBurnie and Christie reacted to the rebound, with Christie providing the final touch to send the ball into the net.
Slovenia responded with increasing pressure, although determined defending initially preserved Scotland’s advantage.
In the 38th minute, Sturm’s excellent cutback opened up the home defence, but Zan Vipotnik hesitated before shooting, allowing Andy Robertson to produce a crucial block.
The visitors threatened again just 12 seconds after the restart. This time, Hendry threw himself in front of Vipotnik’s effort to deny the Swansea striker.
Those interventions could only delay the equaliser. Slovenia repeatedly found space behind Scotland’s defensive line and finally capitalised in the 57th minute.
Matko timed his run beyond the last defender to meet Sturm’s precise pass, then drove a low shot from the edge of the penalty area beyond Angus Gunn.
Scotland coach Sebastien Pocognoli struggled to address the gaps in his side’s defence, and the visitors completed their turnaround 14 minutes later.
The two attackers exchanged roles for the decisive goal. Matko accelerated clear of the defence and supplied Sturm, who finished to give Slovenia a lead they would retain.
For Bostjan Cesar’s team, the result was both a historic breakthrough in the fixture and a major step towards promotion contention.
One victory from their final two matches in November would be enough to secure a place in the promotion play-offs.
Scotland’s position is considerably more precarious. They now need to win both remaining fixtures, including an away meeting with group leaders Switzerland, to keep alive their hopes of reaching League A.
Having led at the interval, the hosts were left to reflect on a damaging defeat in which repeated defensive problems ultimately outweighed their earlier resilience.
