Nations League: Scotland's winless run continues
Croatia 2 - 1 Scotland
Scotland's wait for a victory in their Nations League campaigns continues, as Croatia came from behind in Zagreb to extend Steve Clarke’s team’s 13-month drought in competitive matches.
Despite missing key players and having just one win in their last 14 games, Scotland put up a strong fight in a tense encounter. They thought they had secured a dramatic equaliser in the 95th minute when Kristijan Jakic scored an own goal, but it was ruled out for offside against Che Adams after a VAR review.
The match had begun promisingly for Scotland, with Ryan Christie slotting in the opening goal after a cross from Ben Doak was inadvertently teed up by Luka Sucic.
However, the lead was short-lived, as Igor Matanovic guided Ivan Perisic's cutback into the bottom corner just four minutes later, levelling the score before half-time.
Croatia took control in the second half, and Scotland's defence finally gave way in the 70th minute. Craig Gordon made an initial save from Borna Sosa's close-range strike, but Andrej Kramaric was on hand to head in the rebound at the far post.
Scotland had some promising chances as they searched for an equaliser. John Souttar headed wide, and Adams narrowly missed with a late lob. Adams then thought he had found the breakthrough, slipping behind the Croatian defence and finishing Kenny McLean’s clever flick, with the ball deflecting in off Jakic. However, the celebrations were short-lived, as VAR revealed Adams had been offside.
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At the final whistle, the Scottish players were left heartbroken. They remain bottom of their current Nations League group, having lost all three of their games, with Portugal awaiting them at Hampden on Tuesday.
Another good performance from Scotland? The best reaction from a member of the Tartan Army
Sean from Dunfermline was happy with many aspects of this performance, he said: "That was another good performance, I think Steve Clarke can be more than delighted. Of the players who have come in, Ben Doak in particular was a standout. That VAR decision rips your heart out because a draw against Croatia is a good result.
"The last three games have been positive for Scotland. I think there is hope there. Although it's disappointing we didn't get something out of the game, I think what we did get was a positive performance."
