Scotland's Promotion Hopes Crushed by Slovenia in Nations League

Scotland's chances for automatic promotion in the UEFA Nations League have ended following a 2-1 home defeat against Slovenia.

The team, aiming to build on their previous win, took the lead around the half-hour mark. Ryan Christie scored from close range.

However, Slovenia equalized in the 56th minute with Aljosa Matko's shot. Danijel Sturm then secured the win for Slovenia, finishing a well-worked move down the right flank from Matko's cross.

Home fans voiced their disappointment at Hampden Park as Scotland recorded their second loss in four matches. They currently sit third in Group 1 of League B with only four points.

Switzerland's 3-0 victory over North Macedonia, featuring goals from Johan Manzambi and Dan Ndoye, means Scotland cannot finish top of the group. They trail the leaders by eight points with two games left.

Scotland is three points behind Slovenia, who hold the promotion play-off position. The head-to-head record is the tiebreaker. Scotland must achieve better results than Slovenia in their final two games next month to overtake them for the play-off spot.

In League C, San Marino experienced heartbreak. They were denied a draw against Albania by a penalty in the 93rd minute.

Kristjan Asllani opened the scoring for Albania in the 11th minute, seemingly setting them up for a straightforward win.

Lorenzo Lazzari, however, equalized for San Marino, turning in Lorenzo Capicchioni's cross.

Just as a point seemed secured for San Marino, captain Fabbri was penalized for a handball after a VAR review. Asllani converted the penalty, giving Albania a 2-1 victory.

Other League C Results:

• Kazakhstan 2-2 Faroe Islands
• Belarus 1-0 Finland
• Estonia 0-0 Iceland
• Luxembourg 0-2 Bulgaria
• Moldova 0-4 Slovakia