The Scotland players who played against Croatia at Hampden received a perfect score.
Scotland defeated ten-man Croatia 1-0 at Hampden to achieve their first competitive victory of 2024 and keep their hopes of remaining in Nations League Group A.
Replace After 86 minutes, Scotland moved up to four points in Nations League Group A1 thanks to a valuable goal from John McGinn.
Even though Steve Clarke’s team is still at the bottom of the standings, they can move up to third place in the group and avoid immediate relegation if they defeat Poland in Warsaw on Monday.
Early on, Scotland custodian Craig Gordon turned an Andrej Kramaric effort on to the post, making Croatia the more dangerous team. Dominik Kutarski denied a good shot from Scott McTominay at the opposite end, but the visitors appeared to have the best chance of breaking the draw until Petar Sucic was sent out for a second bookable offence at 43 minutes.
In the second half, Scotland put a lot of pressure on Ben Doak to score the game-winning goal, but the winger wasted a great opportunity, and McGinn scored when his cross was parried away.
We assign a score to each Scotland player’s performance versus the Croats at Hampden.
1. Craig Gordon
In the first few minutes, he had to use every millimetre of his big foot to turn a strike from Andrej Kramaric onto the post. With his 78th Scotland appearance, he surpassed Alex McLeish to take fifth place in the all-time cap standings. remained focused to the very finish. 8.
2. Ralston, Anthony
The raiding exploits of in-form defender Josko Gvardiol, who wasn’t afraid to add to Croatia’s forward line prior to the red card, made the right-back’s life difficult. Although he had one shaky moment when Mario Pasalic dismissed him, he was able to become a more offensive presence after that and was a reliable presence behind Ben Doak. 7.
3. Souttar, John
The Rangers center-half, who was among Scotland’s top players last month, maintained his high calibre against the Croats. He made a few crucial blocks and was in excellent position. in his professional life. 9.
4. Hanley, Grant
The center-back, who was not included in Norwich City’s starting lineup at the club level, had to maintain composure as Croatia applied the majority of the pressure in the first half. The 32-year-old, who earned his 58th cap, fulfilled all of the requirements but was substituted by Scott McKenna for the second half. 7.
5. Robertson, Andy
On his 79th cap, the captain played excellent defence. Against a deep Croatian team, he attempted to advance as space opened up in front of him but was unable to create a game-winning last ball. 8.
6. Gilmour, Billy
The Napoli player, who was always eager to get on the ball, was caught in possession twice in the first half, most memorably by Mateo Kovacic’s deft sliding challenge. When playing Ben Doak in seemed the preferable option, the ball was slashed over the bar on minute 58. The trick was then replicated on minute 70. Despite some lovely passes, Scotland lockpicker was unable to summon a particularly creative moment. 7.
7. McLean, Kenny
Early on, he almost gave Croatia the lead with an uncharacteristically careless throw back into his own defenders. Overcame that mistake to become a formidable midfield presence. Ryan Gauld took his place because Scotland needed an extra guy to be more creative. 7.
8. Doak Ben
Scotland became more attack-minded halfway through the first half thanks to his brilliant turn and nutmeg of Josko Gvardiol. He was by far Scotland’s most dangerous player, and his blistering speed and straight running were a torment to Croatia, especially to Gvardiol, the £78 million star of Man City, on the right flank. blazed over from close range, but the cross that created the first goal more than made up for it. What a thrilling player to observe. 9.
9. McTominay, Scott
stung Croatian custodian Dominik Kotarski’s palms for the first time with a well-hitting but overly central attempt on minute 19. Work a big shift and put forth a lot of effort. 8.
10. Christie, Ryan
maintained his position in the midfield even though some people thought John McGinn would return to the club right away. Duje Caleta-Car completely destroyed him in a challenge that would have resulted in the Croat defender receiving a red card. delivered some excellent set pieces, but Scotland’s finest play was mostly down the opposing flank. In the last portion of the game, John McGinn took his spot. 7.
11. Conway, Tommy
Although he ran a lot, the prolific Middlesbrough striker never had a chance to score on his maiden Scotland debut. On minute 67, Lyndon Dykes took his place. 6.
12. McKenna Scott
The Las Palmas player, who was called up at halftime and earned his 40th cap, was mainly untested as Croatia launched a counterattack. 6.
13. McGinn, John
Returning from injury, the Aston Villa player energised the midfield during the game’s last third. As the ball bounced up in front of him, he displayed great poise to steer in the first goal. 8.
14. Dykes, Lyndon
On minute 67, he replaced Tommy Conway, but as Scotland pressed for a goal, he failed to spot a significant opening. 5.
15. Gauld, Ryan
Throughout his time on the pitch, he was a threat to Croatia, even throwing in a sneaky nutmeg on Luka Modric. He also delivered a great ball for Ben Doak. 6.
16. Armstrong, Stuart
Ben Doak is running late. n/a
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