Here’s what Kenny McLean had to say on BBC Scotland:
“A disappointing result, we’d have liked to be better. But we were against a very good team tonight, and we’ll keep improving.
“There was some decent stuff, the shape was decent, second half was a little better.
They’re a very good team, we’ll learn from it, we’ll watch it back and we’ll keep improving.
“There’s expectation now and we want to reach new levels, and we’ll be there for it no doubt,” he added as he finished.
Chris Wilson28 March 2026 19:14
Here’s what Japan ‘keeper Zion Suzuki has to say at full-time:
“It was a hard game but we won the game on the road, so it’s great.
“They have great supporters, it was a very hard game, but we stayed focused.
“The most important things is we have to stick together. There are many things we have to improve, so we just try and carry momentum.
“I know his strengths and today he played very well, but we got a clean sheet and we work to continue that,” he added.
(PA)
Chris Wilson28 March 2026 19:10
Not a classic by any means at Hampden tonight, but there were some encouraging signs for the hosts, who troubled Japan on several occasions and were probably unlucky not to come away with a result.
Scotland didn’t do enough in the end but there were flashes of quality on show, even if some players do need to do a bit more to book their places on the plane.
Chris Wilson28 March 2026 19:02
McFadden: ‘This hasn’t been poor’
“I don’t think it was a poor performance, it’s just not been a brilliant, exciting performance,” said James McFadden late on BBC.
“Japan will be looking at it thinking they were OK.
“There’s no doubt it has to be much better when you go into the tournament, but it’s not been a terrible performance.
“This hasn’t been poor, it just hasn’t been good enough to win the game,” added the former Scotland striker.
“There’s no doubt for me that Japan were the better side and deserved to win the game. I don’t think Scotland can have any complaints with that.”
(Getty)
Chris Wilson28 March 2026 19:02
FULL-TIME! Scotland 0-1 Japan
(Getty Images)
(REUTERS)
(Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
Chris Wilson28 March 2026 18:59
The referee brings the game to an end and it’s a defeat for Scotland at Hampden!
Not a poor performance by any means but it was lacking in tempo and invention, and Japan showed that crucial bit of quality when it mattered to take the win.
Chris Wilson28 March 2026 18:56
A late free-kick near halfway for Scotland as they look for a final chance, but the opportunity breaks down on the left wing and Japan break.
Chris Wilson28 March 2026 18:55
Great play by Kamada to start a Japan counter but it ends with Ralston blocking Shiogai’s effort.
Into the first of three minutes of added time at Hampden.
Chris Wilson28 March 2026 18:53
Can the hosts find a late equaliser? The game has become quite open in midfield but Japan have just started to wrestle back a bit of control.
Chris Wilson28 March 2026 18:51
Scotland trying to get back into it late on but Christie’s strike from distance is well wide.
Chris Wilson28 March 2026 18:48