Scotland's World Cup preparation starts with a defeat

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Scotland 0 - 1 Japan

Scotland opened their World Cup preparations with a narrow friendly defeat by Japan.

Author | Sean M

Stadium | Hampden Park

Playing for the first time since November’s memorable win over Denmark, which sealed a return to the World Cup after 28 years, Scotland national football team were unable to reproduce that level in the first of their March fixtures.

Both sides struck the woodwork in an even first half and continued to create chances after the interval. It was Japan, however, who made the breakthrough when Ito scored in the 84th minute.

The forward, who plays for KRC Genk, drove into the Scotland penalty area following neat interplay down the left, before guiding a low finish into the corner beyond Angus Gunn.

Watch | Post match reaction from McClean. Video uploaded by Scotland's YouTube account 

Steve Clarke’s side return to action on Tuesday against Ivory Coast national football team at Hill Dickinson Stadium, while Japan face England national football team at Wembley Stadium on the same evening.

Location: Letherby Dr, Glasgow G42 9BA, UK

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