Scotland beat North Macedonia 2-0 in Skopje on October 3. The result gave head coach Sébastien Pocognoli his first victory and captain Andy Robertson his 100th appearance for the men’s national team.

The UEFA Nations League win delivered two milestones in one night. Robertson became only the second Scotland men’s player to reach 100 caps, after Sir Kenny Dalglish.

Bowie strikes early

Kieron Bowie opened the scoring in the eighth minute. He collected Billy Gilmour’s pass and fired into the bottom-left corner from outside the penalty area.

Scotland created more chances before half-time but could not extend their lead. Ben Gannon-Doak and Bowie both went close as Pocognoli’s side controlled much of the opening period.

McGinn doubles the lead

John McGinn made it 2-0 in the 69th minute from the penalty spot. A video assistant referee review confirmed the decision after Bojan Miovski appeared to block Bowie’s effort with his arm.

The goal was McGinn’s 22nd for Scotland. It moved him level with Lawrie Reilly in the national team’s scoring records.

Robertson reaches a landmark

Robertson marked his 100th Scotland appearance as captain. The 32-year-old has led the team since 2018 and is now two caps behind Dalglish’s men’s record.

The Scottish Football Association said Robertson had also captained Scotland at three major tournaments. His milestone came with a clean sheet and three points, adding weight to an already significant night.

“100 caps is amazing but it's been topped off by a fantastic performance from the lads,” Robertson said after the match.

Scotland hold firm with ten men

Scotland had to defend their lead with ten players after Scott McKenna received a straight red card in the 82nd minute for his challenge on Agon Elezi.

North Macedonia could not take advantage. Scotland stayed organised through the closing stages and secured Pocognoli’s first win in charge.

The result kept Scotland alive in UEFA Nations League League B, Group B1. Their next match was scheduled against Slovenia at Hampden on October 6.