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.
9. Scott McTominay
Stung the gloves of Croatia keeper Dominik Kotarski for the first time with a well-hit but too central effort on 19 minutes. Put in plenty of effort with a mammoth shift. 8 | SNS Group
10. Ryan Christie
Kept his place in the midfield despite some expecting John McGinn to walk straight back into the team. Was absolutely flattened by Duje Caleta-Car in a challenge that could have brought the Croat defender a red card. Put in some nice set-piece deliveries but most of Scotland's best work came down opposite flank. Replaced by John McGinn in the final third of the match. 7 | SNS Group
11. Tommy Conway
The in-form Middlesbrough striker was given his first start for Scotland and while he did plenty of running, he never got a sniff at goal. Made way for Lyndon Dykes on 67 minutes. 6 | SNS Group
12. Scott McKenna
Summoned at the interval, the Las Palmas man won his 40th cap and was largely untested as Croatia played on the counter-attack. 6 | SNS Group