Scotland vs Côte d'Ivoire

Ivory Coast secured a 1-0 friendly victory over Scotland at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool on Tuesday night, adding to the growing concerns around Steve Clarke's side ahead of their first World Cup since 1998. Nicolas Pepe grabbed the only goal of the game in the 12th minute. Elye Wahi's scuffed shot cannoned back off the post, but the former Arsenal winger was quickest to react, scrambling the ball over the line from close range to give Emerse Fae's side an early lead they never looked like surrendering. Scotland struggled to find any real rhythm after falling behind, rarely testing an Ivory Coast defence that did not concede a single goal throughout World Cup qualifying. The Scots looked short on creativity and ideas for much of the evening. It was an eighth defeat in 11 non-competitive matches for Scotland, leaving Clarke with plenty to ponder before this summer's tournament. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, head to the World Cup looking composed and well-drilled.