Scotland secured a much-needed victory in the Nations League with a dramatic 1-0 win over Croatia at Hampden Park on Friday night. John McGinn’s late strike in the 86th minute broke Scotland’s 17-month winless streak at home and injected new life into their campaign. With this result, Scotland remains in contention to finish second in Group A1, keeping alive their hopes of reaching Pot 1 for the World Cup qualifying draw.
McGinn’s Heroics and Doak’s Breakthrough
John McGinn’s introduction in the 67th minute proved decisive. The Aston Villa midfielder capitalized on a rebound from Ben Doak’s cross, hammering the ball past Dominik Kotarski to secure Scotland’s first home victory since defeating Georgia. The goal marked McGinn’s 19th for his country, solidifying his reputation as one of Scotland’s most reliable performers.
While McGinn stole the headlines, 19-year-old Ben Doak captivated the Tartan Army with an electrifying performance. The Liverpool winger tormented Croatia’s defense, particularly Josko Gvardiol, showcasing his potential to become a mainstay in Scotland’s lineup.
“He was good. I thought he might be,” said Scotland manager Steve Clarke with a smile after the match.
A Turning Point for Scotland
The win represents a significant turnaround for Scotland, who had endured a dismal run of form, winning just one of their previous 16 games. Manager Steve Clarke’s decision to field a youthful lineup, including debutant Tommy Conway and the dynamic Doak, injected energy into the team.
Scotland’s victory against a formidable Croatian side—featuring stars like Luka Modric and Mateo Kovačić—highlights their growing resilience. The team now faces Poland on Monday with the opportunity to solidify their position in the Nations League standings and secure a favorable seeding for World Cup qualification.
Croatia’s Frustration and Key Turning Point
Croatia, reduced to 10 men after Petar Sucic’s red card in the 43rd minute, dominated the first half with controlled possession. Luka Modric, the 38-year-old midfield maestro, pulled the strings as Croatia created several chances. Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who turns 42 next month, was pivotal, making crucial saves to deny Andrej Kramaric and Luka Sucic.
The turning point came when Sucic, already on a yellow card for a foul on Billy Gilmour, recklessly clattered into John Souttar near the halfway line. The dismissal shifted the momentum in Scotland’s favor, though they struggled to capitalize on their numerical advantage until McGinn’s late intervention.
Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic criticized the decision, saying, “The red card changed the whole game. It was not deserved.”
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A Cagey Contest with Few Chances
The match was characterized by its physicality and cautious play, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. Croatia controlled possession in the first half, with Sucic’s audacious 22-yard half-volley forcing a superb save from Gordon. Scotland’s best chance in the opening period came through Scott McTominay, whose low drive was well saved by Kotarski after dazzling wing play by Doak.
In the second half, Scotland’s finishing woes continued. Doak and Gilmour squandered opportunities to break the deadlock, with the latter blasting high and wide from a promising position. Ivan Perisic nearly punished Scotland for their wastefulness, flicking a brilliant Modric pass past Gordon, only to see the ball narrowly miss the post.
McGinn to the Rescue
With time running out and Croatia seemingly content with a draw, Clarke turned to his bench, introducing McGinn, Ryan Gauld, and Lyndon Dykes. The substitutions paid off as McGinn capitalized on a spilled cross from Kotarski to score the decisive goal.
The result vindicated Clarke’s tactical decisions and highlighted the importance of Scotland’s experienced players in tight contests.
Gordon’s Ageless Performance
Craig Gordon’s heroics between the posts were instrumental in securing Scotland’s clean sheet. The veteran goalkeeper made a string of vital saves, including a stunning leg save to deny Kramaric in the first half. His leadership and composure under pressure provided a steadying influence on Scotland’s backline.
Ending Matchday 5 in style #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/oLTSpusPOW
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) November 16, 2024
What’s Next for Scotland?
Scotland’s victory over Croatia sets up a high-stakes encounter against Poland in Warsaw on Monday. A win could see Scotland finish second in Group A1 and secure a spot in Pot 1 for the World Cup qualifying draw. With star forward Robert Lewandowski sidelined for Poland, Scotland has a golden opportunity to build on their momentum.
Manager Steve Clarke emphasized the importance of the upcoming match:
“First job is to go there and win. It is in our own hands. I think we can play better, but tonight’s result gives us confidence.”
A Boost for Scottish Football
This win not only ends a frustrating drought for Scotland but also signals a brighter future for the national team. The emergence of young talents like Ben Doak and the continued contributions of veterans like McGinn and Gordon highlight the balance of experience and youth in Clarke’s squad.
John McGinn’s late heroics and Ben Doak’s breakout performance propelled Scotland to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Croatia in the Nations League. The result not only boosts their chances of securing a favorable World Cup qualifying position but also reaffirms the potential of this evolving team. With a crucial match against Poland on the horizon, Scotland will look to carry this momentum forward as they aim to cement their place among Europe’s elite.
