The 120 days that elapsed between Scotland's opening Euro 2024 match and this encounter in Zagreb have been challenging for Steve Clarke. A lackluster exit from those finals followed by a disappointing start to the Nations League has strained patience with the Scotland manager. One win in 14 became one win in 15 thanks to this Croatia victory, but the circumstances were particularly painful for Scotland. With the last kick of the ball, Che Adams thought he had secured a draw. However, the video assistant referee disallowed the goal for offside. Clarke, briefly elated, looked understandably dejected. If Scotland's poor run continues, questions may arise about Clarke's suitability to lead the team into World Cup qualifying. This might seem harsh, considering he has guided Scotland to consecutive European Championships despite limited resources, but it reflects the reality of the situation.
In addition to poor form, illness also disrupted the Scotland camp before this game. Clarke could have done without that, especially since he was already missing a dozen players due to injuries. Amidst crisis, opportunities arise. Ben Doak, the Liverpool teenager on loan at Middlesbrough, was given his first Scotland start. Scotland's desperate need for emerging talent has long surrounded Doak with excitement. The opening half-hour, dominated by Croatia, was marked by a lack of clear chances. Luka Sucic's free-kick hit the Scotland wall after Grant Hanley's clumsy foul on Igor Matanovic. John Souttar made a good block against Andrej Kramaric. In response, Billy Gilmour's long-range shot was easily caught by Croatia's goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, and Ryan Christie's cross narrowly missed Lyndon Dykes. It took 30 minutes for the hosts to test Craig Gordon, who, at 41, was back in the Scotland goal. Gordon managed to deflect Kramaric's angled drive.
Clarke's team soon found something to build on, but only for four minutes. Doak's darting run from the right flank unsettled the Croatian defense. Scott McTominay flicked the ball on, Josip Sutalo botched his clearance, and Christie scored from a tight angle. Duje Caleta-Car's attempt to clear the ball off the line failed. It was a highlight of Scotland's Nations League campaign so far. Croatia's response was swift. Ivan Perisic's superb reverse pass left the Scotland defense flat-footed, and Matanovic scored through Souttar's legs, leaving Gordon helpless. Croatia deserved their equalizer at halftime. Scotland, in desperate need of momentum, would regret how it came about. Progress was slow and uncertain.
Gordon's acrobatics prevented Luka Modric from giving Croatia an early second-half lead. At 39, Modric found himself on the field with someone older than him for the first time in his career. This was cap No 181 for the Real Madrid midfielder. Gordon's 76th cap came four months after his international career seemed over. Both players are exceptional in their own right. McTominay struggled to control the ball as he tried to connect with a Dykes knock-down. Croatia's shaky defense raised Scottish hopes. With half an hour left, Scotland had been more resilient than at most points in the last 12 months. However, conceding soft goals has repeatedly hindered Clarke's progress. Modric almost turned the tide with a spectacular shot that narrowly missed after dribbling past McTominay.
As Croatia took a lead they just about deserved, time seemed to stand still. Perisic's deep cross found Borna Sosa, whose volley was brilliantly saved by Gordon. From there, the ball floated into the air and across the goal. Kramaric had an easy task to head home from two yards. Christie and Adams missed chances before the late drama. Kenny McLean found Adams, who scored via Kristijan Jakic. The curtailed celebration reflected the current state of Scotland's campaign.
