Che Adams scored the first half and it proved to be the winner, despite several chances for Steve Clarke’s side to extend their advantage.
Lyndon Dykes hit the post and also spurned two chances against the ten men following Vahid Selimovic’s red card.
With the man advantage Scotland were on the front-foot for the remainder of the game but couldn’t add to their tally with John McGinn twice denied by the goalkeeper and Adams also
Nathan Patterson made his international debut off the bench in the second half but there were concerns over Billy Gilmour after a clattering in the second half by Olivier Thill that only brought a yellow card – and the midfielder being withdrawn as a precaution by the Scotland management after just over 20 minutes of action.
More players were given minutes ahead of the big kick-off – and here’s what we made of each performance.
Starting XI ratings scale - 10: One of the best performances you've seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: A terrible day at the office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of the worst performances you've seen.
*All players begin on rating 6.
With the man advantage Scotland were on the front-foot for the remainder of the game but couldn’t add to their tally with John McGinn twice denied by the goalkeeper and Adams also
5. Stephen O'Donnell - 6
Preferred over a debut for Patterson and deliveries from right didn’t let anyone down. Defensively sound against Rodrigues when talented attacker drifted wide. Photo: Jose Breton - SNS Group / SFA
6. John McGinn - 7
Boisterous and busy. Forced decent save from goalkeeper early in second half as he stepped up attacking play after more reserved first half. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
7. Scott McTominay - 6
Glaring late miss with late header but was the glue that held the midfield together for most of the match. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group / SFA
8. Callum McGregor - 6
Replaced at half-time after racking up yet more minutes of a marathon effort this season. Tidy enough but lacked sparkle. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group / SFA