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.
13. John McGinn
Back from injury, the Aston Villa man appeared for the final third of the match and pepped up the midfield. Showed excellent composure to steer home the opener as the ball bounced up in front of him. 8 | SNS Group
14. Lyndon Dykes
Came on for Tommy Conway on 67 minutes, but did not see a meaningful opening as Scotland pressed for a goal. 5 | SNS Group
15. Ryan Gauld
Delivered a sumptuous ball for Ben Doak and was menace to Croatia throughout his time on the pitch, even putting in a cheeky nutmeg on Luka Modric. 6 | SNS Group
