The shooting practice at the end of the warm-up – as the 30,000-odd Scotland supporters filed in – acted as an early indication of what was to come.

Rather impressively, both Che Adams and George Hirst skelped the part of the stand which separates the two tiers. Thankfully, it wasn’t clad in saltires so none went home with a dirty mark.

The first blotch on Scotland’s report card came in the 12th minute, Nicolas Pepe trundling a slow-motion shot into the far corner. Time stood still. As did Clarke.

Three claps of encouragement in an attempt to rally his troops followed. As did a scratch of the beard.

His side – showing nine changes from Saturday’s defeat by Japan – had started well before that goal.

When a stoppage in play allowed for a regroup a few moments later, Clarke cajoled Ross McCrorie, who had been caught out of position in the build-up to the opener.

Assistant Steven Naismith counselled the impressive George Hirst, and Alan Irvine had a word with Billy Gilmour.

Irvine is no stranger round these parts. He’s Moyes’ assistant at Everton. And he’s used to listening to Clarke’s mid-match musings. He’s the calm head at whom a lot of the huffs and puffs are directed towards.

Naismith – a former Everton forward – is livelier. Set-piece coach Andy Hughes, even more so.

As Scotland tried to have something of a go in the second half, he leapt up from behind the laptop to hurl orders to the players. He was one of few of a Scottish persuasion who had reason to get off their feet, though.

The high-press – another regular sideline shout of encouragement – was a positive. The panic in the final third, less so.

Come full-time, there were boos from a section of the Scotland fans. Clarke would have heard them, just like he did on Saturday.

As his history-making players headed out of the enormous entrance of this colossal ground to be met by a sea of young supporters shouting and screaming in search of signatures and selfies, the manager has plenty to ponder.