Scotland’s competitive winless run extended to nine matches in painful circumstances after they fell to a 2-1 defeat by Croatia in Zagreb.
Despite some strong performances from Steve Clarke’s players, they are now facing the prospect of relegation from Nations League Group A1 after this sore defeat at Maksimir Stadion, with the Scots having a goal chopped off in stoppage time for a narrow offside.
Scotland took the lead on 33 minutes when Ryan Christie forced Duje Caleta-Car to turn the ball into his own net, only for Igor Matanovic to level just three minutes later. The winner came for Croatia on 70 minutes when Andrej Kramaric headed home from close range.
Scotland now must lick their wounds and head back to Hampden for Tuesday’s showdown with Portugal, with a victory required to stop the rot. However, they will be up against it when facing Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.
Here are the player ratings from Croatia 2-1 Scotland.
5. Andy Robertson
The captain bombed forward down the left and put in some teasing first-half deliveries. Kept cajoling the team on as they searched for an equaliser and looks a more assured player both in attack and defence when in a back-four, which mirrors his role at club level. Played a part in forcing what looked to be the late leveller by pushing into the penalty box. 7 | PA
6. Billy Gilmour
What a lovely midfield performance this was from the little Napoli man, who treats the ball so delicately with his right foot, taking care to deliver it to a Scottish shirt accurately. His positional sense was also spot-on, often breaking up Croatian attacks. Picked up a yellow card late on, but that does not detract from his display in Zagreb. 8 | PA
7. Kenny McLean
The experienced Norwich man is stepping into the role vacated by Callum McGregor quite nicely. Appears a good fit next to Gilmour in the deeper midfield role and adds a bit of nous and physicality. Robbed Perisic of possession in a dangerous area and was often a good sentry to the Scotland defence. Became a little overrun as the game became stretched and open. 6 | PA
8. Ben Doak
The 18-year-old was handed his first Scotland start and got himself into some promising situations. His pace and trickery clearly worried the Croatian defence, but his final ball was too often lacking. Plenty to build upon though, and he was replaced on 77 minutes for Gauld as he started to tire. 6 | PA