John McGinn scores twice as Scotland edge past North Macedonia
The Aston Villa playmaker scored from the penalty spot to secure a 2-1 win and give Sebastien Pocognoli his first home win as Scotland head coach.
John McGinn’s double got Sebastien Pocognoli off the mark and off the hook in a 2-1 victory over Group B1 makeweights North Macedonia at Barclays Hampden.
Visiting goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski denied the Scots three times in a goalless first half and Billy Gilmour missed an open goal from eight yards before fellow midfielder McGinn broke down the North Macedonia rearguard in the 54th minute – only for the limited visitors to level through striker Elmin Rastoder three minutes later.
However, the Aston Villa playmaker scored from the spot in the 73rd minute to give Pocognoli his first home win as Scotland head coach.
Captain Andy Robertson equalled Sir Kenny Dalglish’s 102-cap record and will beat it away to Switzerland on Monday while by taking his international goal tally to 24, McGinn joined Hughie Gallacher as joint-third on the all-time Scotland list.
Scotland moved on to seven points from five fixtures, one point behind second-placed Slovenia who drew 0-0 at home to Group B1 winners Switzerland, but the aim of the runners-up place which brings a promotion play-off spot and a more favourable seeding for the 2028 European Championship qualifiers, is tough.
The Scots play the dominants Swiss in St Gallen while Slovenia will be odds-on to take care of North Macedonia, who, with no points from five games, will finish bottom of the table.