Scotland recorded their first competitive win of 2024 and maintained their hopes of staying in Nations League Group A after a big 1-0 victory over ten-man Croatia at Hampden.
Substitute John McGinn netted a priceless winner on 86 minutes to lift Scotland on to four points in Nations League Group A1.
While Steve Clarke’s men remain bottom of the standings, a win over Poland in Warsaw on Monday will lift them into third in the group at least and avoid automatic relegation.
Croatia were the more threatening team in the early stages, with Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon turning an Andrej Kramaric effort on to the post. Scott McTominay had a decent effort saved by Dominik Kutarski at the other end but the visitors looked likelier to break the deadlock until the clumsy Petar Sucic was sent off for a second bookable offence on 43 minutes.
Scotland pressed heavily for the winner in the second half and while Ben Doak missed a big chance, the winger provided the all-important goal when his cross was parried out for McGinn to net.
We rate each Scotland players’ performance at Hampden against the Croats.
5. Andy Robertson
The captain, on his 79th cap, was very solid defensively. Tried to get forward as space opened up in front of him against a deep Croatian side but could not fashion a killer final ball. 8 | SNS Group
6. Billy Gilmour
Always keen to get on the ball, the Napoli man was caught in possession a couple of times in the first half, most notably by a crisp sliding tackle by Mateo Kovacic. Lashed ball over the bar on 58 minutes when playing Ben Doak in was the better option, and then repeated the trick on 70 minutes. Had some pretty passes but Scotland lockpicker was not quite able to conjure up a moment of inspiration. 7 | SNS Group
7. Kenny McLean
An uncharacteristic sloppy pass back towards his own defence nearly let Croatia in very early on. Recovered from that error to be a combative presence in midfield. Replaced by Ryan Gauld as Scotland sought more creativity with an extra man. 7 | SNS Group
8. Ben Doak
His cheeky turn and nutmeg of Josko Gvardiol midway through the first half acted as a catalyst for Scotland to be more attack-minded. His searing pace and direct running proved torturous for Croatia - particularly for the £78million Man City star Gvardiol - down the down the right flank and he was by far and away Scotland's most threatening player. Blazed over from close range but more than redeemed himself with the cross that led to the opener. Such an exciting player to watch. 9 | SNS Group