Share this @internewscast.com

The build up to this game was dominated by political grandstanding over the fact it was not screened live on television.

It turns out those members of the Tartan Army unable to access it via online steams were not done a disservice after all. They were spared another night of suffering.

Despite a performance which offered up a significant number of positives, the outcome was another crushing blow.

A team that once looked like it had forgotten what defeat tasted like now cannot remember how to get over the line.

Scotland were left dejected as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Croatia in the Nations League

Scotland were left dejected as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Croatia in the Nations League

Che Adams thought he had scored a late equaliser for Scotland but it was ruled out by VAR

Che Adams thought he had scored a late equaliser for Scotland but it was ruled out by VAR

Andrej Kramaric celebrates after scoring what proved to be the winner for Croatia

Andrej Kramaric celebrates after scoring what proved to be the winner for Croatia

This felt like a new kind of agony, though. Ryan Christie had fired Steve Clarke’s side into a 32nd-minute lead here in Zagreb that was deserved on the balance of play.

But the mental fragility of the team was underscored by Igor Matanovic’s equaliser just a few minutes later. Andrej Kramaric’s header 20 minutes from time was in keeping with recent events.

In the final minute of added on time, though, Che Adams’s shot trickled over the line, the Scotland bench exploded, and it felt like a prized point had been gained.

The sight of referee Istvan Kovacs ruling the goal out for offside after VAR’s intervention must have had Clarke wondering if his luck will ever change.

Once the dust settles, the plain fact is that Scotland have now lost four games on the spin and won just one of their past 14 matches. They have conceded 25 goals in 15 matches. It is a deeply troubling run that seems to know no end.

One year ago, the players were preparing to put their feet up and watch Spain clinch a win in Norway which assured Clarke’s side of qualification for the Euros.

Little did they know at that point that they were about to tumble from their lofty perch. Alarmingly, the win the side secured in Cyprus the previous month remains the last one in a competitive match.

Whatever criticisms could rightly be levelled at the manager in the summer, he has not been blessed with good fortune lately.

Kramaric's goal came in the 70th minute as he managed to find the net with a header

Kramaric’s goal came in the 70th minute as he managed to find the net with a header

Igor Matanovic was also on the scoresheet as Croatia prevailed in the Nations League clash

Igor Matanovic was also on the scoresheet as Croatia prevailed in the Nations League clash

Ryan Christie celebrates after his goal put Scotland ahead in the 32nd minute

Ryan Christie celebrates after his goal put Scotland ahead in the 32nd minute

MATCH FACTS 

Croatia: Livakovic, Sutalo, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol, Perisic (Jakic 90), Modric, Mario Pasalic (P. Sucic 46), Sosa, L. Sucic (Baturina 62), Kramaric (Petkovic 71), Matanovic (Budimir 71)

Subs: Ivusic, Labrovic, Orsic, Marco Pasalic, Moro, Pjaca, Erlic

Goals: Matanovic 36, Kramaric 70

Booked: Pasalic, Perisic 

Scotland: Gordon, Ralston, Souttar, Hanley, Robertson, Gilmour, McLean, Doak (Gauld 77), McTominay, Christie, Dykes (Adams 77)

Subs: Porteous, McCrorie, Devlin, MacKenzie, Morgan, Irving, Nisbet, McCracken, Lindsay 

Goal: Christie 32 

Booked: Hanley, Gilmour 

You could have counted a dozen players who might have featured here had they been fit. Angus Gunn, Kieran Tierney and John McGinn would have been nailed-on starters.

At 41 years and 286 days old, Craig Gordon’s inclusion was a matter of necessity due to Gunn’s injury.

Born after Gordon made his international debut, the hope was Ben Doak could demonstrate why Jurgen Klopp once said he possessed the X-factor.

The winger was handed his first start here after two run-outs from the bench. On this evidence, the 18-year-old will start many more.

With so few options, Clarke’s selection was otherwise predictable. Billy Gilmour and Kenny McLean sat behind Scott McTominay, with Christie playing off the left.

The surprise inclusion of Lyndon Dykes up front came because Adams had been struggling with illness.

It was a night to remind you that age is, indeed, just a number. Luka Modric turned 39 last month. On his 181stcap, the Real Madrid icon provided some mesmerising moments.

For all their quality, Croatia are a side who give you chances. Scotland were gift-wrapped their first of the night after just six minutes when Mario Pasalic was caught sleeping on the ball by Dykes.

Experienced Croatia star Ivan Perisic caused numerous problems for Scotland

Experienced Croatia star Ivan Perisic caused numerous problems for Scotland

Luka Modric, who turned 39 last month, provided some mesmerising moments for Croatia

Luka Modric, who turned 39 last month, provided some mesmerising moments for Croatia

The forward’s ambitious attempt to beat Dominik Livakovic from just inside the Croatian half nearly came off.

There was more encouragement for Clarke’s men when Christie arrowed a shot wide after Andy Robertson had surged up the left.

When Doak then picked Josko Gvardiol’s pocket, he arrived at the byline in a blur and cut the ball back to Billy Gilmour. Just as the Napoli man was setting himself for a shot, Modric appeared on the scene and the chance was gone.

Amid the promising start came a stark warning. Grant Hanley’s untimely slip 40 yards from goal left him back-peddling. Having fouled Matanovic on the edge of the box, he was fortunate that Pasalic’s free-kick amounted to nothing.

Scotland still looked the more likely side to break the deadlock. McTominay saw a shot blocked by Pasalic before Gilmour worked Livakovic with a low drive. Dykes was agonisingly close to converting Christie’s flashing cross with his head.

Gordon was well protected in the early stages. One moment of alarm came when Andrej Kramaric turned John Souttar inside out, but the veteran keeper repelled the fierce angled strike.

With Doak’s blistering pace wreaking havoc, Croatia looked vulnerable whenever Scotland sought to progress down the right flank. That strategy proved to be the source of the opener on 33 minutes.

McTominay’s pass from the centre to release Doak was inch perfect. The teenager accelerated forward, applied the brakes and aimed a cross for the far post.

Despite an improved performance from Scotland, Steve Clarke's side were still beaten

Despite an improved performance from Scotland, Steve Clarke’s side were still beaten

Luka Sucic’s attempt to clear his lines was poor. Christie kept his cool and found the target from a tight angle.

For all Duje Caleta-Car got the last touch as the ball crossed the line, the goal was awarded to the Bournemouth man.

Scotland were within touching distance of a prized half-time lead. Yet within three minutes they were picking the ball out of their net again.

Ivan Perisic’s reverse ball to Matanovic opener up the visiting defence. With the shot flying through Souttar’s legs, Gordon could only watch is nestling in the far corner.

There was a greater tempo to the Croats after the break. Set up by a gem of a pass by Modric, Matanovic’s dipping strike forced Gordon to adjust his body and stretch out his left arm to save.

Just as he’d done at Hampden three years ago, Modric was now in charge. Gordon did well to stretch back and prevent the midfielder’s audacious chip finding the net.

The introduction of Martin Baturini, seemingly the heir to Modric’s throne, as a development the Scots could gave lived without. With the Dinamo Zagreb starlet picking up pockets of space, you sensed another goal was coming.

Perisic was again the instigator. His deep cross was caught flush on the volley by Borna Sosa.

Gordon’s instinctive save was brilliant but bounced up kindly for Kramaric. Standing three yards out, he placed a header above the static Hanley. Scotland were staring at yet another defeat.

The offside flag spared Christie’s blushes when he failed to hit the target after running clear on goal.

Adams went closer with a chip in the final minute after coming off the bench when had the heart ripped out of him when VAR disallowed his 95th minute effort for offside with what proved to be the last action of the night.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Nottingham Forest Unveils Stylish Home Kit for 2025/26 Season in Celebration of 160th Anniversary

Nottingham Forest has unveiled an eye-catching new home kit for the 2025/26…

Noni Madueke Expresses Gratitude to Chelsea Fans for Criticism Following His Controversial £52m Move to Arsenal, Risking Backlash at Stamford Bridge

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of England international Noni Madueke from Chelsea…

Philadelphia Eagles Celebrate Super Bowl Ring Ceremony in Grand Style with Their Partners

Eagles players finally received their Super Bowl rings on Friday night as…

Uncovering Chelsea’s Club World Cup Victory: Enzo Maresca’s Tactical Magic, Cole Palmer’s Family Connection, and Noni Madueke’s Medal Laugh

When Chelsea were based in Philadelphia four weeks ago, Robert Sanchez arranged…

Cristiano Ronaldo Unveils Unique Dance Anthem in Unusual New Video Game Soundtrack

Cristiano Ronaldo has accomplished an extraordinary amount in his career—earning five Ballon…

Brendan Rodgers’ Future at Celtic Uncertain Due to Concerns Over Transfer Strategy and Potential Exit Fears

Even before last season’s finishing line was in sight, speculation about who’d…

Oleksandr Usyk reflects on how childhood poverty fueled his rise to undisputed glory as he prepares for the rematch with Daniel Dubois

The world according to Oleksandr The Great ‘is one huge psychiatric clinic…

I was the final transfer from Manchester United to Liverpool – No regrets, and my wife was the only one concerned

Liverpool have reportedly floated the idea of pursuing a deal for Manchester…

AC Milan and PUMA Unveil Unexpected Golf Apparel Collection

AC Milan has partnered with PUMA to launch a unique lifestyle collection…

Dwarf Performer Shares Experience at Barcelona Star Lamine Yamal’s 18th Birthday Bash Amidst Investigation into Event

A person with Dwarfism who featured at Lamine Yamal’s 18th birthday party…