By the time Kieron Bowie smashed home a seventh minute opener against a North Macedonia side not without its troubles to seek, it was already clear they would not. Bowie afforded Sébastien Pocognoli his first goal as the Scotland manager. Later, the Belgian had his maiden victory confirmed.
Anything else, against such a dismal level of opposition, would have been worthy of significant Scottish embarrassment. John McGinn’s 22nd goal for his country, coming from the penalty spot, meant the scoreline at least almost reflected Scotland’s dominance. Only Scott McKenna’s late sending off and a failure to notch three, four or five could have irked Pocognoli.
Scotland remain alive and kicking in section B1 of the Nations League while aware they will face far, far stiffer challenges. Scotland needed to be professional in North Macedonia and met that task appropriately. On the occasion of Andy Robertson’s 100th cap, it appeared in the early stages that the Tottenham full-back had been stung by criticism of recent performances in Scotland colours.
Robertson marauded forward at will, including inside five minutes where he forced Stole Dimitrievski into a fine save. McGinn, like Robertson, has been the subject of some scathing words. McGinn’s response was as forceful as his teammate.
It was Bowie, though, who afforded Scotland crucial early leeway. Jack Hendry’s red card in the early stages of Tuesday’s loss to Switzerland led to Bowie being withdrawn from the Scotland attack. Pocognoli retained faith in Bowie in Skopje.
Bowie had plenty to do when collecting Billy Gilmour’s pass, 25 yards from goal and with two defenders in close proximity. He set himself before firing a terrific left-foot shot beyond the helpless Dimitrievski. McGinn’s outrageous pass from the right-back position to Robertson, who was operating as a left winger, should have ensured a Scotland second.
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