10-man Scotland made to pay by Switzerland as worrying streak continues | OneFootball

New Scotland boss Sebastien Pocognoli endured a demoralising Hampden debut as his 10-man side were dismantled 3-0 by sure-footed Switzerland in the Nations League.

Just over a month after being appointed as Steve Clarke’s successor, the 39-year-old Belgian’s big night got off to the worst possible start as Jack Hendry was sent off early on for denying a goal-scoring opportunity.

Ricardo Rodriguez fired home the resulting free-kick and the Swiss went on to dominate the remainder of the match, with further goals after the break from Nico Elvedi and Zeki Amdouni.

With just one point and no goals from their opening two Nations League fixtures, Scotland must now rouse themselves for Saturday night’s match in North Macedonia as their new boss bids to get his reign up and running.

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Scotland's Jack Hendry was sent off during the Nations League clash (PA)

Pocognoli made three changes to the side that started Saturday’s 0-0 draw in Slovenia as Stephen Welsh, Aaron Hickey and Robbie Ure dropped to the bench.

Brondby captain Luis Binks was pitched in for his debut at centre-back, while Torino’s Nathan Patterson and Sassuolo forward Kieron Bowie were both added, meaning there were four Serie A players in the starting XI.

Switzerland were without key duo Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo after they were both dropped from the squad over issues surrounding fake Covid vaccine certificates.

But boss Murat Yakin was able to take his place on the sidelines after hearing issues, linked to pressure from the flight into Glasgow, caused him to miss the press conference at Hampden on the eve of the match.

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Ricardo Rodriguez sent Switzerland into the lead (PA)

Pocognoli, dressed in a black suit and black shirt, saw his evening start to unravel in the eighth minute after Hendry got caught the wrong side of Dan Ndoye and pulled the Swiss winger back as he raced towards goal.

Serbian referee Nenad Minakovic initially awarded a penalty and booked Hendry but, following a VAR check, it was deemed that the offence had taken place just outside the box, so a free-kick was awarded and Hendry was sent off. Rodriguez stepped up to send his powerfully-struck free-kick beyond the wall and in at Angus Gunn’s right-hand post.

Bowie’s third cap was brought to a premature end as he was replaced by Welsh as Pocognoli sought to replenish his defence.Switzerland had full control of proceedings and Johan Manzambi, Amdouni and the lively Ndoye all threatened to add to their lead before the break.

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Nico Elvedi scored the second goal as the Swiss swept Scotland aside (Getty)

Pocognoli’s frustration was highlighted when he was booked for remonstrating with the referee in the closing moments of a first half in which the visitors enjoyed 75 per cent possession.

The Swiss doubled their lead in the 55th minute when Ndoye’s tantalisingly low delivery from the right was swept home by Elvedi from six yards out after the centre-back got himself in front of Oli McBurnie at the near post.

With the match already over as a contest, the Swiss hammered home their superiority on the night in the 82nd minute when Amdouni lashed a ferocious strike through the hands of Gunn after being teed up by Ndoye 16 yards out.