Nations League: Croatia secures 2-1 victory over Scotland

Andrej Kramaric delivered a crushing blow to Scotland’s hopes as Croatia secured a 2-1 victory in their Nations League clash on Saturday, extending Scotland’s worst losing streak in five years.

Scotland had a glimmer of hope when Ryan Christie opened the scoring with a first-half goal at Stadion Maksimir.

However, Croatia quickly responded as Igor Matanovic leveled the match before halftime, and Kramaric sealed the win with a second-half header.

This defeat marks Scotland’s fourth consecutive loss, a streak they haven’t endured since 2019.

Winless in their last eight competitive outings before arriving in Zagreb, the Scots have now gone nine matches without a victory, the longest winless run in their history.

In fact, Scotland has only managed one win in their last 15 games—a 2-0 result against Gibraltar back in June.

After a disappointing exit from Euro 2024 during the group stage, Scotland finds itself at the bottom of Nations League Group A1 following losses to Poland, Portugal, and now Croatia.

While manager Steve Clarke is grappling with a significant injury list—including key players like James Forrest, Kieran Tierney, and Nathan Patterson—the pressure on him is mounting.

Another loss against Portugal at Hampden Park on Tuesday could raise more questions about his future.

In the match against Croatia, 41-year-old Craig Gordon, Scotland’s stand-in keeper, made an impressive save to deny Kramaric, while Borna Sosa’s follow-up attempt went just wide.

Youngster Ben Doak made history by becoming Scotland’s youngest player to start a competitive match since 1965, and he made an impact by providing the cross that led to Christie’s opener in the 32nd minute.

However, Croatia was quick to respond, with Matanovic finishing off Ivan Perisic’s cutback just four minutes later.

Gordon was Scotland’s standout performer, producing a series of saves, including stops against Matanovic and Luka Modric, who dazzled with his usual creativity.

Croatia’s relentless pressure finally paid off in the 70th minute when Kramaric capitalized on a parried shot from Sosa, heading in the rebound to complete the comeback.

Scotland had a last-gasp chance to equalize when Che Adams found the back of the net, but his effort was ruled offside by VAR, leaving Clarke’s men empty-handed once again.

Lyndon Dykes’ audacious effort from the halfway line was a bold statement of intent from Scotland.

Christie fired just wide after Andrew Robertson’s cross wasn’t cleared, while Billy Gilmour tested Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic with a 25-yard blast.