October 12, 2024 – Croatia narrowly defeated Scotland in Zagreb as part of their October Nations League campaign.
Croatia and Scotland met in Zagreb for the 3rd round of the UEFA Nations League. Scotland had not won a single point in this season’s Nations League campaign thus far, and Croatia was certainly the favorite.
Croatia went into the match as second place in their group, and today’s victory was crucial for them to stay in the game for first or second place. Recall, that the first two teams in the group advance to the quarter-finals of the competition, the third place team goes to the play-offs, and the last place team moves to the lower rank of the competition, League B.
Croatia was expected to play in their new formation, which they tested out in the September Nations League campaign. However, key player Mateo Kovačić was not available for tonight’s match due to personal reasons, and Dalić was forced to make a few changes. Luka Sučić was in the starting 11, as was Ivan Perišić and Duje Ćaleta Car.
Lineups
Croatia: Livaković – Gvardiol, Ćaleta Car, Šutalo – Modrić, Pašalić, Sučić, Sosa, Perišić – Kramarić, Matanović
Scotland: Gordon; Robertson, Hanley, Souttar, Ralston – McLean, Gilmour, McTominay – Christie, Doak, Dykes
Match report
Croatia took control of the game from the start and pressured Scotland’s defense. Croatia’s favored playing the right wing and Perišić knocked in a few crosses to the far post, which they couldn’t capitalize on.
In the 7th minute, Ryan Christie missed a good chance, shooting too far to the left of the goal. Croatia was granted a free kick directly outside the box in the 9th minute, which Luka Sučić knocked into the wall.
Things shifted from that point, with Scotland taking more control of the game. They even had a dangerous moment when Doak sent the ball across the penalty area.
Gvardiol was pretty shaky in the back, which isn’t something we are used to seeing. Croatia was passing around, but Scotland was often there to intercept.
Mario Pašalić was shown a yellow card in the 19th minute. Billy Gilmour took a chance with a shot at Livaković in the 22nd minute.
Another dangerous attempt by Scotland in the 25th minute, when Christie crossed in front of the goal, but it went out for a Croatia throw in. Scotland was not to be underestimated and understood each other well when defending and attacking. Croatia had yet to pose a real threat and struggled to find their rhythm.
Kramarić had a brilliant chance at goal in the 31st minute, forcing keeper Gordan to make a save, and Sosa missed the goal with his head in the following play.
But it was Scotland to attack next. Christie took a chance in the penalty area, Sučić failed to clear, and the ball found its way in the back of the net for 0-1 Scotland in the 33rd minute.
Fortunately, Croatia was quick to answer. Perišić played Matanović who scored from the top of the box for 1-1 in the 36th!
Perišić was booked with a yellow card in the 39th minute, giving Scotland what could have been a dangerous free kick. Croatia eventually cleared out the play and continued to attack.
Scotland had another free kick as 1 minute of stoppage time was added to the first half. The score was 1-1 going into halftime.
Dalić made one change going into the second half, with Petar Sučić coming in for Mario Pašalić.
Matanović had an attempt on goal, shooting from a distance. But Scotland’s goalie was there to make the save. Croatia attacked again in the 55th minute, with Modrić shooting in the upper far post. The ball went out for a corner.
In the 62nd minute, Martin Baturina came on for Luka Sučić.
Luka exploded through the Scotland defense in the 66th minute, getting a shot off at the keeper. Croatia was putting on the pressure again, with Baturina even taking a chance.
And then it happened in the 70th minute. Sosa’s shot forced the keeper to make a save, and Kramarić was there to capitalize on the deflection, heading it in for 2-1!
Two more subs were made – Bruno Petković and Ante Budimir came on for Andrej Kramaric and Igor Matanović.
Christie missed the target in the 78th minute, which could have easily been 2-2. Petar Sučić took a chance a minute later and shot just wide of the goal.
Croatia continued to attack in the last few minutes, but with no dangerous attempts. Scotland, on the other hand, had a few. Including a goal scored that was ultimately called offside thanks to VAR.
The match ended 2-1 for Croatia!
Croatia meets Poland next on Wednesday, October 15th, at 20:45.
