Scotland begin their countdown to the World Cup as they host Japan at Hampden in their first friendly since qualifying for this summer’s tournament.
The heartbreak suffered by Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the World Cup play-offs this week underlined Scotland’s rare opportunity after Steve Clarke’s side qualified automatically for the tournament for the first time since 1998 thanks to their memorable victory over Denmark in November.
Scotland have been drawn with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti at the World Cup, as the bid to advance from the group stages of a major tournament for the first time, and the Tartan Army have arranged fixtures against Japan and the Ivory Coast this March to help their build-up.
Clarke has named a settled squad for the two games, but warned his team selection to face Japan face “raise an eyebrow”. He handed a start to Tommy Conway, the Middlesbrough forward, as well as a recall for Everton’s right back Nathan Patterson.
Follow all the latest updates from Hampden below
Scotland 0-0 Japan
The visitors are just keeping the ball a bit as they try to regain their foothold in the game.
There have been a few decent probing runs forward but the Scottish defenders have read them well every time so far.
Scotland 0-0 Japan
SAVE! Another decent save from Suzuki as Robertson gets free down the left and rifles a shot across goal that the ‘keeper tips away.
Scotland 0-0 Japan
A slick counter from Japan this time but McKenna darts in to prevent the shot from close range.
Scotland 0-0 Japan
A lovely fluid counter from Scotland involving Patterson, McGinn and Conway, before McTominay is clipped near the box, around 30 yards out.
The Napoli midfielder opts to shoot but Suzuki tips it over easily enough.
Scotland 0-0 Japan
At the other end, another comfortable save from Gunn after a tame effort from Goto.
Scotland 0-0 Japan
A decent opening for Scotland early on as the pass is slid through to McGinn, who stands up a great cross that is headed away at the back post.
Moments later, Dykes heads over from a tame Robertson cross.
KICK-OFF! Scotland 0-0 Japan
Back underway in Glasgow! You’d expect more to come from Scotland considering some players are playing for a place on the plane.
Subs for Japan to begin with as Sano, Ito and Watanabe come off for Karou Mitoma, Suzuki and Shogo Taniguchi.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 0-0 Japan
As mentioned, an underwhelming first half from Scotland at Hampden.
The hosts should probably have been in the lead from early on but a superb save from Suzuki denied them, and while Tanaka later hit the bar, it’s not been a great half from either side.
Hopefully better to come in the second half!
HALF-TIME! Scotland 0-0 Japan
“It was an OK start from Scotland. As the game goes on, Japan are in control. Just hope to see a bit more attacking intent after the break,” says former Scotland striker James McFadden on BBC.
An underwhelming first half from Scotland at Hampden.