Matko and Sturm lead Slovenia comeback to beat Scotland at Hampden

Slovenia defeated Scotland 2-1 at Hampden Park on Tuesday, with Aljosa Matko and Danijel Sturm scoring after the interval to overturn Ryan Christie's opener. Sky Sports reported that the result left Scotland third in Nations League Group B1 with two matches remaining, while head coach Sebastien Pocognoli continued his wait for a home victory.

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Christie gave Scotland the lead in the 31st minute, finishing from close range after Jack Hendry's header struck the post. Andy Robertson subsequently blocked Zan Vipotnik to protect the advantage before half-time. Scotland also threatened early in the second half, when Jan Oblak saved from Christie following an advance by Ben Gannon-Doak.

The Football Association of Slovenia's match report recorded Matko's equaliser in the 56th minute. Sturm supplied a forward pass for Matko, who beat Angus Gunn with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area. Sturm then missed an opportunity to put the visitors ahead, while a further Matko finish was ruled out for offside.

Slovenia completed the turnaround in the 71st minute through another combination between the two forwards. This time Matko attacked down the right and delivered the ball into the middle for Sturm to finish. The association said Scotland increased their pressure late on, but Slovenia held out to secure their first victory in seven meetings between the countries.

Pocognoli acknowledged that Scotland had fallen below the standards he expected both with and without the ball, according to Sky Sports. He said improvements were needed despite positive elements across the camp. Scotland finished the extended international window with one win from four matches and will complete their group programme against North Macedonia and Switzerland in November.

Slovenia now have seven points from four games and sit second behind Switzerland, whose record remains perfect, according to their association. Bostjan Cesar's side next face Switzerland at home before travelling to North Macedonia. David Zec and Erik Janza will miss the Switzerland fixture because of accumulated bookings, leaving Slovenia with defensive absences for that match.