Rodriguez free-kick sparks 3-0 Swiss win over ten-man Scotland

Switzerland punished an early red card to beat Scotland 3-0 in Sebastien Pocognoli’s first home match as national coach, a Nations League B fixture played at Hampden Park.

Early dismissal, immediate damage

Centre-back Jack Hendry was sent off inside 10 minutes for hauling down Dan Ndoye when the Nottingham Forest striker broke clear. Referee Nenad Minakovic initially pointed to the spot and showed a yellow card, but VAR ruled the foul occurred outside the box and upgraded the sanction to red. From the resulting free-kick Ricardo Rodriguez bent a left-foot effort past Angus Gunn, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead after just 12 minutes.

Pocognoli’s plan had to be “put on the side” after the dismissal, the Belgian admitted later. Captain Andy Robertson added that the home side’s preparations were “ripped up” as they adjusted to playing with ten men for more than 80 minutes.

Swiss control after the break

Scotland battled to half-time without further damage but Switzerland’s pressure told again on 55 minutes. Remo Freuler’s low cross found centre-back Nico Elvedi, who guided the ball into the far corner at the near post for 2-0.

Substitute Zeki Amdouni completed the scoring eight minutes from time, lashing home Ndoye’s cut-back to seal a comfortable night for Switzerland.

The Scots created little in response. Robertson thought John McGinn had claims for a first-half penalty and Oli McBurnie drew loud boos when a late challenge on him went unpunished, but chances were scarce once numerical parity was lost.

What it means

Scotland remain winless in Nations League Group B1 and head to North Macedonia on 3 October before hosting Slovenia on 6 October. Switzerland host the reverse fixture on 16 November.

Pocognoli conceded the night was “frustrating” yet praised his players’ spirit: “They had the great attitude to stick together.” Robertson echoed the sentiment, urging the squad to “stay positive” under the new regime despite “the worst possible start.”