Walter Smith wanted a test against a quality team

"I've got no argument about the result," he said after the 3-1 defeat by Switzerland at Hampden. "They were the better team throughout.

"I played the formation that worked well for us away from home, but I may have to look at that for home games.

"Over all, they were better, passed the ball better and were more compact than us. That's my worst experience so far."

Smith has gone public with his dislike of friendlies but had carefully chosen Switzerland to test his side after they ended a disappointing World Cup qualifying group on a high.

"I wanted to gauge ourselves against a decent team and we've a bit to do in terms of imposing ourselves on games," he said.

This will be a hard place for teams to come and take points Switzerland coach Jakob Kuhn

"There were a couple of periods in the game when we didn't do too badly, but those were when they scored their goals.

"Switzerland are not as gifted as some teams, but in terms of imposing themselves and their speed and commitment, they are very tough."

Scotland have not won a friendly at Hampden for 10 years.

And Smith added: "It is a bit of a step back because, even in competitive home games, we have acquitted ourselves better than we have done against the Swiss.

"I don't know if it is just the fact that Scotland don't do friendlies because it is a long time since we won one at Hampden.

Scotland 1-3 Switzerland

"We have to look at that type of thing and make sure we do better come the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

"We seem to play better in competitive games than in friendlies and that's something we have to rectify.

"That's my third friendly and by far my poorest one."

Switzerland coach Jakob Kuhn had some words of comfort for Smith and his side.

Scotland player ratings

"They are obviously still searching for a team for the European Championship qualifiers and have a lot to do," he said.

"But this will be a hard place for teams to come and take points.

"It wasn't easy for us. I was satisfied with my team's performance, but we enjoyed a little bit of luck."

Kuhn's side face a World Cup group containing France, South Korea and Togo and the coach said he was hopeful of progressing to at least the last eight of the competition.