John McGinn called of Scotland The 3-0 Nations League defeat by Switzerland at Hampden Park was a “huge setback” and he insisted the team should use it as a learning experience, after Jack Hendry’s first-quarter red card left the hosts with any chance of kick-starting their Group B1 campaign.
Hendry’s initial yellow card for a foul was increased to red by VAR in the 11th minute, and Switzerland made their numerical advantage count almost immediately when Ruben Vargas was fouled in the box and Zeki Amdouni’s teammate Fabian Rodríguez stepped in to convert the penalty in the 12th.
Nico Elvedi doubled the lead before half-time as Dan Ndoye caused Scotland incessant problems, and Zeki Amdouni added a third to complete a ruthless Murat Yakin’s second goal in a row.
The result leaves Sebastien Pocognoli’s side, who drew 0-0 in Slovenia on Saturday in the coach’s debut, bottom of Group B1 with a point from two games. Switzerland sitting on top.
McGinn, one of the few Scotland players to emerge with any credit, acknowledged the scale of the night’s damage as he pointed to the fact a team is still adjusting to a completely new coaching approach under the 39-year-old Belgian, who replaced Steve Clarke in August.
“At times we could have done better, but we are starting a new chapter, learning to play in a different way,” said the Aston Villa captain. “This was a big setback for us. We have a lot to learn from tonight, but also a lot to take from it.”
“I thought Oli McBurnie was excellent. He’s had a lot of criticism in a Scotland shirt but tonight he was a thankless task and gave it his all for us.”
“Going down to 10 men, it’s a test of character, you have to dig deep. It’s a big learning curve for us and when we play them away, we have to win now.”
This reverse fixture, with Scotland traveling to Switzerland for their matchday 4 encounter, now carries huge weight as to whether Pocognoli’s side can remain competitive in the promotion race.
Switzerland’s superior goal difference after two games gives them a cushion that the Scots will need to recover.