We rate the Scottish players’ performance in Zagreb with a ten.
In agonising circumstances, Scotland’s competitive winless streak was extended to nine games when they lost 2-1 to Croatia in Zagreb.
This painful loss at Maksimir Stadion, where the Scots had a goal disallowed in stoppage time for a slight offside,
leaves Steve Clarke’s team facing the possibility of relegation from Nations League Group A1.
Ryan Christie forced Duje Caleta-Car to turn the ball into his own net, giving Scotland the lead, but Igor Matanovic
levelled the score three minutes later. After 70 minutes, Andrej Kramaric headed home from Croatia with the victory.
In order to stop the rot, Scotland must now tend to their wounds and return to Hampden on Tuesday for their matchup with Portugal. They will, however, face stiff opposition from Cristiano Ronaldo and company.
The player rankings for Croatia vs Scotland are listed below.
1. Craig Gordon
The 41-year-old, who returned to the team after missing the Euros, put on a strong display and earned his 76th cap.
made four excellent saves against Sosa, Matanovic, Modric, and Kramaric and had little opportunity to score. Very seldom fails his country, and this time it did.
2. Anthony Ralston
Scotland’s first-choice right-back in that area is developing into the reserve Celtic right-back. Croatia tried to surge
down his flank, but Ralston held his ground and made some solid blocks. kept the inexperienced winger under
control and attempted to advance whenever it was feasible to assist Doak. Good work in a challenging environment.
3. Grant Hanley Out of favour at Norwich, his lack of game-time at Carrow Road appeared to catch him out early on
when he gave away an early free-kick and picked up a yellow card after being too easily spun by Matanovic. However,
the experienced centre-half grew into the match and put in a mature display, especially given Croatia’s tendency to flood forward and put pressure on.
4. John Souttar
The Rangers man was rewarded for his good club form with a start in this encounter ahead of Porteous. The 28-year-
old made many excellent interventions, the most notable of which was a large block that prevented Kramaric’s
attempt on minute twenty-three. was trustworthy when it came to his distribution. Should save the shirt for the Portugal match.
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