A 10-minute strike from John McGinn was cancelled out by a clinical strike from Artem Dzyuba which sucked the early feel-good factor from the national stadium.
Russia then seized control of the game and it was no surprise when they edged ahead just before the hour mark through Yuri Zhirkov, who bundled over from close range with Stephen O’Donnell getting the final touch.
It could have been worse for the hosts as Russia hit the woodwork three times as Scotland started to look at damage limitation before launching a sustained period of pressure.
Charlie Mulgrew and Callum McGregor both went close as Clarke issued a calvary charge for the last 15 minutes only for another night of disappointment for Scotland to be delivered as all eyes now turn to a Group I clash with Belgium on Monday.
It looks a real tall order to qualify via the conventional route. Thank goodness for the playoffs.
3 talking points
Hit and miss
Scotland’s hit on the break approach appears perfectly suited to the personnel and it was working a treat as McGinn fired us into a lead. But an inability to get our wide players in safe possession of the ball combined with being pressed deeper and deeper as Russia dominated possession turned the game in their favour. Ryan Fraser was a huge plus point but world-class Andy Robertson had an off night. Not that he was alone, however.
Russian roulette
Scotland boss Steve Clarke showed his bold side by throwing caution to the wind after the visitors had taken the lead and that gung-ho approach almost salvaged a point and provided a thrilling finale as the dark blue ended the contest on the front foot. It proved there's a daring side to the Ayrshireman. Mind you, the Russians were happy to sit back and Scotland probably enjoyed more pressure and possession because of that.
Central issue
Russian hitman Artem Dzyuba demonstrated how a central striker can bring his midfield into play as he was the focus of most attacks and his midfield played off him. Scotland on the other hand launched balls to an isolated Oli McBurnie and far too many balls bounced off him. Linking play intelligently is the key at this level and Clarke should pick up the phone again to Steven Fletcher. His touch and craft would have been the perfect foil for Scotland’s wingers. He doesn’t even need to score. Simply holding the ball up and laying off to the likes of Fraser would be more than enough.
