Scotland 1-3 Iceland: Slicker Endures Tough Debut As Clarke’s Side Fall Flat At Hampden | OneFootball

Scotland suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat at home to Iceland in a frustrating evening at Hampden Park, with debutant goalkeeper Ciaran Slicker enduring a night to forget.

The game got off to a chaotic start, with Scotland losing first-choice goalkeeper Angus Gunn to injury within the opening minute. Gunn required lengthy treatment for an ankle issue before being replaced by Ipswich Town shot-stopper Slicker, who was making his senior international debut.

However, the 21-year-old’s first contribution quickly turned into a nightmare. A poor clearance landed at the head of Stefan Thordarson, who nodded it into the path of Andri Gudjohnsen — son of former Barcelona and Chelsea striker Eidur  — and the forward lashed a stunning strike in off the underside of the crossbar from 20 yards, giving Iceland an early lead.

Scotland responded positively, with George Hirst missing a golden opportunity to equalise in the 21st minute. The striker headed over from close range after meeting a pinpoint delivery from John McGinn.

Just three minutes later, the hosts drew level. Defender John Souttar rose highest to meet an inswinging corner from debutant Max Johnston, nodding home to make it 1-1 and restore belief among the Tartan Army.

Despite Scotland pushing for a second goal, frustration began to mount, with McGinn urging more urgency from his teammates.

That frustration turned to despair on the stroke of half-time when Iceland regained the lead. A dangerous corner caused panic in the Scotland box and, in the scramble, Lewis Ferguson inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net. Slicker again looked uncertain as he failed to take control of the situation.

Things went from bad to worse shortly after the break. In the 52nd minute, Victor Pálsson’s looping header slipped through Slicker’s hands and into the net, extending Iceland’s lead to 3-1.

Scotland nearly pulled one back moments later when Hirst forced a superb save from Iceland goalkeeper Elias Rafn Ólafsson. Then, just after the hour mark, Scott McTominay’s effort was parried by Ólafsson, falling into the path of Hirst, who tapped in – only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside in the buildup.

Manager Steve Clarke turned to his bench, introducing Lennon Miller, Che Adams, and Scott McKenna in place of Kieran Tierney, George Hirst, and Grant Hanley. However, the changes had little impact as Scotland failed to muster a late rally to give the home fans something to cheer about.

It was a sobering night for the hosts, who were outclassed in key moments and lacked cohesion all over the pitch. With World Cup qualifiers looming later this year, Clarke now has serious questions to answer — particularly in goal, following a difficult debut for Slicker.

Scotland: Gunn (Slicker, 7), Johnston (Patterson, 82), Hanley (McKenna, 68), Souttar, Tierney (Miller, 68), Robertson, Gilmour, Ferguson, McGinn, McTominay (Conway, 82), Hirst (Adams, 68).

Substitutes: McCrorie, Slicker, Ralston, Adams, Conway, Hendry, Miller, McKenna, Irving, Wilson, Barron, Doig, Patterson, Bowie.

Iceland: Olafsson, Palsson (Thorhallsson, 60), Magnusson (Gretarsson, 45), Ingason (Gunnarsson, 77), Ellertsson, Thordarson (Anderson, 72), Johannesson (Traustason, 72), Haraldsson, Gudmundsson, Gudjohnsen, Thorsteinsson (Willumsson, 72).

Substitutes: Valdimarsson, Einarsson, Tomasson, Gretarsson, Magnusson, Helgason, Willumsson, Hunnarsson, Anderson, Thorhallsson, Hlynsson, Traustason.