Scotland end winless run
Scotland 1 - 0 Croatia
Scotland finally broke their long winless streak in the Nations League with a hard-fought victory over 10-man Croatia, thanks to a late goal from substitute John McGinn.
McGinn capitalised on a loose ball after Dominik Kotarski parried Ben Doak's shot, slotting home his 19th international goal and sending Hampden Park into rapturous celebration.
The win keeps Scotland's hopes alive of staying in Nations League A, with a potential relegation play-off secured if they manage another victory against Poland on Monday.
A win in Warsaw could even open the door to the Nations League quarter-finals and a top-seed spot for the World Cup qualifying draw – provided Croatia lose at home to Portugal and there's a three-goal swing in Scotland's favour.
However, those calculations can wait. The immediate focus was ending a dismal run of 10 competitive matches without a win, a form slump that had seen them victorious just once in their last 16 outings. For Steve Clarke's side, this was a much-needed boost.
A closer look at what happened in Glasgow
Scotland’s recent outings against strong opposition had hinted at progress, but the opening stages against an impressive Croatia painted a different picture. The Scots were under heavy pressure early on, much of it due to their own mistakes.
Kenny McLean gifted Andrej Kramaric an early chance, Luka Sucic missed another, and Kramaric’s shot clipped Craig Gordon’s studs before bouncing wide – all within the first 10 minutes.
Croatia were in complete control, but the game turned on its head when referee Orel Grinfeeld showed Petar Sucic a second yellow card for what seemed a harmless challenge on John Souttar. The decision enraged the Croatians, but it became the turning point Scotland desperately needed.
After regrouping at half-time, the Scots took charge. Ben Doak began to grow into the game, becoming a key figure in their resurgence. Billy Gilmour missed an opportunity to pass to the teenager in acres of space in front of goal, instead firing over. Moments later, Gilmour sent another chance high after being set up by Doak. The young winger himself came close, narrowly missing a back-post volley from a Ryan Gauld cross.
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Croatia remained a threat, with substitute Mario Pasalic coming close after a sublime Luka Modric pass, only to chip his effort wide. It was a huge let-off for Scotland, and one they capitalised on.
Doak’s driving run to the byline led to a sharp shot that Dominik Kotarski could only parry into the path of John McGinn, who made no mistake in sealing the win. McGinn, once again the hero, sparked wild celebrations at Hampden.
Scotland pushed for a second goal to gain the head-to-head advantage over Croatia but couldn’t find it. Now, their focus shifts to Poland, where they’ll aim to secure a relegation play-off spot. There's also the chances of an unlikely second-place finish. They’ll need Portugal to win in Split and a favourable goal swing.
The best reaction
A great win for Scotland on Friday night. eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/p/uefa-natio...
— European Super Football (@superfootball.bsky.social) 17 November 2024 at 11:56
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After the match, another Scotland fan told me: "We deserved three points. The players have performed much better here but either lost or only earned a point. It was messy and scrappy, but it ended positively. Onwards to the next match and ending the Nations League campaign on a high."
