McGinn calls for more belief after decisive double

UEFA Nations League,
League B – 5

Scotland
SCO

FYR Macedonia
MAC

Hampden Park Stadium

Michal Ocenas

John McGinn 54′
John McGinn 74′ (Pen)

Elmin Rastoder 57′

John McGinn called on Scotland to show more belief after his double gave them a 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over North Macedonia.

Sebastien Pognocoli’s men were made to work hard for the points in the Group B1 clash, though the victory keeps their hopes of a promotion play-off place alive.

After an underwhelming first half, McGinn gave Scotland the lead in the 54th minute, surging into the box and firing home after good work from Che Adams in battling for a long ball.

However, the lead did not last long, Elmin Rastoder’s near-post header levelling matters at Hampden Park as Scotland were punished for poor defending at a corner.

But McGinn’s 74th-minute penalty secured victory after North Macedonia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski was adjudged to have fouled Ben Gannon-Doak following a VAR check.

Scotland are a point behind second-placed Slovenia, who have the edge on head-to-head record, in the group and will need to beat Switzerland and a get a favour from North Macedonia to earn a place in the promotion play-offs.

But McGinn is thinking bigger picture as Scotland build towards the Euro 2028 qualifiers, which begin next March.

He told BBC Scotland: “A wee bit [like hard work], we’re playing a very different style.

“It reminds me of my club team [Aston Villa] at the start of the season, it’s important we just stick together.

“We have got the Nations League to use as a building block towards qualifiers

“At times it wasn’t pretty, but it was an important one. [We need to show] a bit more belief.”

The UEFA Nations League Table

Upcoming fixtures for Scotland and North Macedonia