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.
9. Scott McTominay
The in-form Napoli man had a quiet first half, but began to stamp his impression on the match as it opened up. His big chance came later in the second half, but the ball wouldn't settle for him in the box on hour mark Put in a lovely slide-rule pass for Christie that ought to have brought Scotland's second goal. 6 | PA
10. Ryan Christie
Stationed out on the left, he was a constant menace to Croatia. Put in a great ball across for Dykes and then forced Caleta-Car's own goal by pouncing on loose ball and firing it past the keeper. Unfortunately missed a big chance on 78 minutes when miscuing when through on goal. He was one of Scotland's brightest forward players, though. 7 | AP
11. Lyndon Dykes
The Birmingham City striker kept his place in the starting XI despite the return of Che Adams to the team. Worked off limited service, but did come close to connecting with a teasing cross from Christie. Came off for Adams towards the end having put in a largely fruitless shift. 5 | Getty Images
12. Substitutes
Given the lack of experience on the bench, Steve Clarke only rolled the dice once Croatia took the lead. Ryan Gauld and Che Adams both made good impressions, the former chipping a neat ball into the danger area for the latter to fire wide, before Adams was flagged marginally offside at the death to deny an equaliser. | PA