SportsMole takes a look at the highlights, man of the match and stats from Saturday's Nations League clash between Croatia and Scotland.
ScotlandA poor start to their Nations League A campaign continued on Saturday evening when they lost 2-1 against Croatia at Stadion Maksimir in the third match of the 2024-25 edition of the tournament.
Tartan Army scored in the 33rd minute Ryan ChristieHe admitted that he benefited greatly Luka SuzicWin slid a clearance into the box, but Croatia equalized three minutes later Igor MatanovicSweeping finish in lower right corner.
Andrzej Gramarich He scored his 30th goal for Croatia in the 70th minute Craig GordonSave with a header from close range.
In the fifth minute of the second half, Scotland equalised. Say Adams Deflecting the ball Duje Caleta-carBut VAR disallowed the goal and the visitors were condemned to a third defeat in as many Nations League games.
Croatia manager Zlatko Talic His side will be delighted to have moved three points clear of third-placed Poland, who look to be Vadereni's main challengers to qualify for the quarter-finals as they finish in the top two of the group.
As for Scotland, they haven't picked up any points yet Steve ClarkLeague B look relegated favorites as they sit six points from automatic safety.
Christie's opening goal came thanks to excellent work from both Billy Gilmour And Ben is freeThe former won the ball back in his own half and the latter drove to the right of the box before chipping a ball into the penalty area which Sucic failed to deal with.
Matanovic finished well Ivan Perisich Cut the ball back to him in the box, but credit should go too If cardiol To start the move from inside Scotland's half.
Perisic was also involved in his side's second goal with a cross towards Borna Saucewhose shot was deflected towards an unmarked Grammarick.
At the end of the game, Kenny McLean The Croatian flicked the ball into the penalty area and Chey Adams deflected the ball away from Galeta-Carr into the back of the net, but the Scotsman was offside when McLean played the ball in and VAR awarded the goal.
CROATIA VS. Scotland highlights
Ryan Christie goal vs Croatia (33rd min, Croatia 0-1 Scotland)
Ryan Christie gets a cut clearance to open the scoring in Zagreb#grosco pic.twitter.com/2vH92TbCYo
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) October 12, 2024
Billy Gilmour does brilliantly to win back possession from his own half before Ben Toke takes the ball to the right of the box and his chipped ball is sliced in by Luka Sucic. Over the line despite Duje Caleta-Car's best efforts.
Terrible error from Sucic!
36th min: Croatia 1-1 Scotland (Igor Matanovic)
© Imago
Josco Guardiola took the ball inside Scotland's half and switched play from left to right to Ivan Perisic inside the penalty area, and PSV Eindhoven cut the ball to Igor Matanovic.
What a pass from Guardiola!
70th minute: Croatia 2-1 Scotland (Andrej Kramaric)
© Imago
Ivan Perisic heads towards Borna Sosa at the far post from the right, but when Craig Gordon saves a shot to the ground, he can only pass the ball to Andrej Kramaric, who heads the ball home. From close range in the penalty area.
Croatia lead in 20 minutes!
95th minute: Croatia 2-1 Scotland (offside goal)
© Imago
Scotland thought they had leveled with the last kick of the game when Chey Adams deflected Duje Caleda-Car's ball into the back of the net after the Scotsman reacted quickly to Kenny McLean's flick into the box. Offside!
Heartbreak for Scotland!
Man of the Match – Ivan Perisic
© Imago
Ivan Perisic produced another relentless display and managed to get the assist for Matanovic's leveler with a brilliant cutback from the right of the box.
The Croatian was also heavily involved in his side's second goal as he laid a cross towards the back post for Borna Sosa, whose shot bounced into the path of goalscorer Kramaric.
Perisic created four chances in the game, more than any other player on the pitch, while winning 100% of his tackles.
CROATIA VS. Scotland match statistics
Possession: Croatia 51% -49% Scotland
Views: Croatia 17-9 Scotland
Shots on target: Croatia 6-2 Scotland
Corners: Croatia 3-2 Scotland
Mistakes: Croatia 14-7 Scotland
Great statistics
Luka Modric's performance against Scotland by the numbers:
11 make it to the final third
8/9 duels won
6/6 Accurate long balls
6 interruptions
6 times possession won
4/4 take-ons completed
3 opportunities have been created
3 tackles
2 scenarios
1 shot on targetIncredible numbers. 👏#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/4xsqnISYPk
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) October 12, 2024
What next?
Croatia face Poland on October 15 in the final of the October international break, before facing Scotland again on November 15.
Meanwhile, Scotland face Portugal in Croatia and Poland's final two Nations League group games of the November international break.
No data analysis information
