Switzerland dismantle 10-man Scotland 3-0 to deepen Pocognoli's Hampden misery

Sebastien Pocognoli’s reign as Scotland manager began with a 3-0 Nations League defeat to Switzerland at Hampden Park on Tuesday, as Jack Hendry’s early red card handed the visitors a numerical advantage they never relinquished.

Hendry was dismissed in the 11th minute after pulling back Dan Ndoye as the Swiss winger raced towards goal. A VAR review overturned the initial penalty decision, ruling the foul had occurred just outside the box, but Hendry’s sending-off stood. Ricardo Rodriguez stepped up to drive the resulting free-kick beyond Angus Gunn at his right-hand post.

The dismissal forced Pocognoli into an immediate tactical reshuffle, withdrawing debutant forward Kieron Bowie — on only his third cap — to bring on an extra defender in Stephen Welsh. Switzerland, who enjoyed 75 per cent possession in the first half, continued to threaten through Johan Manzambi, Zeki Amdouni and the lively Ndoye before the break.

Further goals from Nico Elvedi and Amdouni after half-time completed a comfortable win for Murat Yakin’s side, who were without suspended pair Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo following their removal from the squad over issues surrounding fake Covid vaccine certificates.

Pocognoli, appointed just over a month ago as Steve Clarke’s successor, was himself booked for remonstrating with the referee in the closing stages of the first half — a fitting symbol of an evening that unravelled almost from the first whistle for the 39-year-old Belgian.

Scotland now have one point and no goals from their opening two Nations League fixtures. They must regroup quickly, with a trip to North Macedonia on Saturday offering Pocognoli his first real opportunity to steady a side that has failed to score in four consecutive matches.

For this game, Pocognoli had made three changes from the 0-0 draw in Slovenia, handing starts to Luis Binks — the Brondby captain making his debut at centre-back — alongside Nathan Patterson of Torino and Bowie of Sassuolo, giving Scotland four Serie A players in their starting XI.