Scotland 1-0 Croatia PLAYER RATINGS: Who gave Josko Gvardiol a torrid night? Which defender was outstanding? How did Modric fare at Hampden?
John McGinn came off the bench to score the goal that gave Scotland a valuable Nations League victory against Croatia at Hampden Park.
His strike, four minutes from time, ended the team’s long winless run and kept alive their hopes of avoiding relegation from the competition’s top tier.
It had looked like being a long night in the opening stages, when Croatia dominated, but the visitors had Petar Sukic sent off for a second bookable offence just before the interval.
From there, Scotland sensed an opportunity, and created a number of opportunities, mostly through their young winger, Ben Doak, who announced himself on the international stage.
It wasn’t one of Scotland’s best performances under Steve Clarke, but it was enough to give them their first competitive win since September 2023. Paul Forsyth assesses how each of the players performed.
Scotland winger Ben Doak gave Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol a tough evening at Hampden.
Luke Modric was his usual classy self in a 1-0 defeat for 10-man Croatia in Glasgow
Steve Clarke was grateful to John McGinn who scored the winner after coming on as a sub
SCOTLAND
Craig Gordon – 7
Had a busy first half, making plenty saves, the best when he was wrong-footed by Kramaric but diverted with a trailing leg.
Anthony Ralston – 6
Stuck to his task with a hard-working display. Made a good block in the second half and got forward when he could.
John Souttar – 8
Strong, sharp and read the game well. More than anyone, he prevented Croatia turning early dominance into goals.
Grant Hanley – 5
One of many who gave the ball away during a first half when Croatia were swarming all over them. Replaced at the interval.
Andy Robertson – 6
Started to overlap after Croatia were reduced to 10 men, but never quite delivered the telling ball he is is capable of.
Billy Gilmour – 6
Gave the ball away in a slack opening period. Far better when space opened up, but wasted promising positions.
Kenny McLean – 6
His wayward early backpass set the tone for a midfield that gave up possession far too easily. Got a foothold later.
Ben Doak- 8
Sparked Scotland into life with his willingness to take on and burst past Gvardiol. Set up all of Scotland’s best chances.
Scott McTominay – 7
Might have given his team a first-half lead, but his shot was too close to the goalkeeper. Supported Conway well.
Ryan Christie – 6
With little chance to get on the ball, he was unable to make a significant impression.
Tommy Conway – 6
Starved of possession for long spells, but linked up well when he got the chance.
SUBSTITUTES
McKenna (Hanley, 46min)
McGinn (McLean, 66)
Gauld (Christie, 66)
Dykes (Conway, 66)
Not used: Slicker, McCrorie, Shankland, Taylor,Barron, Porteous, Armstrong, Devlin.
STEVE CLARKE – 6
His starting XI set up loosely, but he made the tweaks to capitalise on Croatia’s red card
CROATIA
Dominik Kotarski – 6
Didn’t have a whole lot to do in the first half, except push McTominay’s shot round the post. Helpless for the goal.
Kristijan Jakic – 6
Relatively comfortable for most of the game as Scotand’s biggest threat was elsewhere. Went off with a late injury.
Josip Sutalo – 6
Started to look vulnerable when the pressure mounted. One pass straight to Gilmour should have led to a goal.
Duje Caleta-Car – 6
Strolled through the first half, giving Conway almost no encouragement. Was stretched when Scotland went for it.
Josko Gvardiol – 5
Given a tough night by Doak, especially in the second half. Will be glad to see the back of the young winger.
Luka Modric – 7
As classy as ever, always finding space, dictating the tempo and spraying it right and left.
Mateo Kovacic – 6
Always showed for the ball and carefully moved it forward from his deep-lying role. Much of Croatia’s work started here.
Luka Sucic – 7
A persistent threat coming in off the right. The best iof several goal attempts was beaten away by Gordon.
Petar Sukic – 4
Sent off just before the interval for two bookings, the first for fouling Gilmour, the second for clattering Souttar.
Martin Baturina – 6
Didn’t make the most of his chances. Hesitated with one at the back post and saw another deflected over.
Andrej Kramaric – 7
Busy and dangerous in the box. Repeatedly tried to get a shot away, usually to the far post, but was mostly crowded out.
SUBSTITUTES
Mario Pasalic (Kramaric, 64min)
Perisic (L Susic, 64)
Vlasic (Baturina, 75)
Pjaca (Jakic, 82)
Not used: Labrovic, Ivusic, Pongracic, Moro, Marco Pasalic, Orsic, Sosa, Matanovic.
Zlatko Dalic – 6
Will be frustrated that his team were in control until indiscipline cost them.
Orel Grinfeeld (Israel) 6
