During a soggy Sunday encounter at Hampden Park, John McGinn's first-half hat-trick ensured Scotland defeated the lowest-ranked team in the world. Coming off a heavy defeat against Russia, Steve Clarke's men needed a win, and McGinn delivered with goals at 12, 27, and 45+1 minutes.
John McGinn scores first-half hat-trick helps over Scotland win in Sunday’s European Qualifier at a sodden Hampden Park. After a crushing defeat to Russia on Thursday, Steve Clarke’s side were under pressure to sweep aside the word’s lowest-ranked side and McGinn had them on course by the interval (12, 27, 45+1) with his first international treble.
The match quality dipped in the second half due to the flooded pitch, but Scotland continued to attack to improve their standing before the Euro 2020 play-offs. Lawrence Shankland (65') and Stuart Findlay (67') both netted their maiden international goals, while Stuart Armstrong added a brilliant late free-kick in the 87th minute. Although it was a dead-rubber match, the result gave the fourth-place Group I team a vital confidence boost.
Under a steady downpour and in front of very few spectators, Scotland dominated early, earning two corners in the opening two minutes. San Marino's Aldo Simoncini kept them in it briefly with a spectacular save against Shankland.
The deadlock finally broke in the 12th minute when McGinn flicked a Ryan Christie cross past the keeper and off the post. This goal settled the nerves; and while Simoncini managed to stop a long shot from James Forrest, he couldn't keep out a Scott McTominay cross, allowing McGinn to score his second.
San Marino spent most of the match defending desperately as the rain intensified. Their goalkeeper continued to fight, notably denying a side-footed shot from McTominay just before the halftime whistle.
Despite the deteriorating pitch conditions, Scotland remained determined. In the 65th minute, Lawrence Shankland of Dundee United scored his first goal for his country, pouncing on a rebound after McTominay's long-range shot hit the crossbar.
Two minutes later, Kilmarnock defender Stuart Findlay mirrored the success by heading in a corner from Christie. A chaotic moment nearly led to a sixth goal when the San Marino keeper mistakenly stepped outside his area, thinking the play had stopped. However, the referee allowed play to continue, and Scotland ruthlessly capitalized, firing the ball into the top corner despite protests from the opposition.