Bowie breaks the long drought: the coach praises his first goal

Scotland has broken the long period of stagnation: after a goalless draw against Slovenia and a defeat against Switzerland, the team led by Sebastien Pocognoli secured a victory against North Macedonia, thanks to Kieron Bowie's first goal for the national team.

After Slovenia and Switzerland, the victory against North Macedonia

After the 0‑0 with Slovenia and the painful knockout against Switzerland, Sebastien Pocognoli's men have broken the nightmare of missing goals for more than four hundred minutes. Tonight's victory marks the first success since the last triumph on June 14, achieved against Haiti in the World Cup groups of USA, Mexico and Canada.

The result was 2‑0, with the defence keeping a clean sheet for the second consecutive match. The team created numerous chances, showing a more incisive style of play compared to previous games.

Pocognoli says Scotland stay on track after Slovenia defeat

Praise for the young Bowie

Speaking to BBC Scotland, the head coach said: “I am very happy with this first win. Today we played very well, created many chances and kept a clean sheet for two games in a row, which means a lot.” He added that the performance was good, while acknowledging the need to score more goals.

Kieron Bowie, who scored for the first time with the national team, commented: “He scored the toughest goal of the match. I am really happy for him, because the issue of not scoring would have been on the table after twenty‑five minutes.” He expressed great satisfaction with his performance and that of his teammates.

The contrast between the long offensive inactivity and tonight’s triumph shows that Scotland’s revival also goes through the young protagonists. If the team continues to turn chances into goals, it can consolidate the recovery that began against North Macedonia.