Scotland supervisor Steve Clarke insisted there was room for enchancment after admitting his aspect have been “caught unbalanced” in a 1-0 defeat to Japan at Hampden Park on Saturday.
Substitute Junya Ito scored the one purpose of the sport with lower than 10 minutes remaining in a contest the guests largely dominated.
The hosts started each halves brightly and noticed good probabilities from Scott McTominay and captain Andy Robertson go begging earlier than Japan, who themselves hit the woodwork and missed a a number of alternatives, received the match late on.
Clarke admitted the outcome was disappointing however praised the efforts of his gamers as they sit up for competing at their first World Cup finals since 1998.
The Scotland boss mentioned: “[There was] quite a bit to take from the efficiency. One or two issues we might do higher.
“To lose it on the purpose we misplaced was disappointing. It appeared as if the sport would peter out to a 0-0 draw, we obtained caught unbalanced.
“We defended nicely in opposition to a very good aspect and the midfield was sturdy, however we will nonetheless be extra progressive.”
‘We’ll be taught hundreds’
Defender Jack Hendry equally opted to see the larger image, acknowledging that the sport was a helpful level of reference forward of this summer season’s match.
“It was check for us, Japan are aspect,” he mentioned.
“Clearly [we are] upset with the outcome, however going into the World Cup it’s good to play these opponents.
“It was run out, we’ll be taught hundreds from that and get higher. We will’t be too upset – we’ve obtained quite a bit to work on and enhance however I’m positive we’ll do nicely.”
Scotland are subsequent in motion once they meet Ivory Coast at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in one other pleasant on Tuesday night.
