Scotland 1-0 Croatia PLAYER RATINGS: Who gave Josko Gvardiol a torrid night? Which defender was outstanding? How did Modric fare at Hampden?

John McGinn came off the bench to score the goal that gave Scotland a valuable Nations League victory against Croatia at Hampden Park.

His goal, four minutes from time, ended the team’s long winless streak and kept alive hopes of avoiding relegation from the top tier of the competition.

It looked to be a long night in the opening stages as Croatia dominated, but the visitors had Petar Sukic sent off for a second bookable offense just before half-time.

From there, Scotland sensed an opportunity and created a number of chances, especially through their young winger, Ben Doak, who announced himself on the international stage.

It wasn’t one of Scotland’s best performances under Steve Clarke, but it was enough to earn them their first competitive win since September 2023.

Paul Forsyth assesses how each of the players performed.

Luke Modric was his usual classy self in the 1-0 defeat to 10-man Croatia in Glasgow

Steve Clarke was grateful to John McGinn who scored the winner after coming on as a substitute

SCOTLAND

Craig Gordon-7

Had a busy first half and made plenty of saves, the best when he was wrong-footed by Kramaric but was diverted with a goal behind.

Anthony Ralston-6

He stuck to his task with a hardworking performance. Made a good block in the second half and came forward when he could.

John Souttar-8

Strong, sharp and read the game well. More than anyone else, he has prevented Croatia from converting their early dominance into goals.

Grant Hanley-5

One of many to give the ball away during the first half as Croatia swarmed them. Replace in between.

Andy Robertson-6

Started to overlap after Croatia were reduced to ten men, but never quite delivered the telling ball he is capable of.

Billy Gilmour-6

Gave the ball away in a late opening period. Much better when space opened up, but promising positions were lost.

Kenny McLean-6

His idiosyncratic early backpass set the tone for a midfield that gave up possession far too easily. Later I gained a foothold.

Ben Doak-8

brought Scotland to life with his willingness to take the fight and storm past Gvardiol. Create all of Scotland’s best chances.

Scott McTominay-7

Might have given his team the lead in the first half, but his shot came too close to the goalkeeper. Conway well supported.

Ryan Christie-6

With little chance to get the ball, he was unable to make a significant impression.

Tommy Conway-6

He didn’t have the ball for long periods, but connected well when he got the chance.

REPLACEMENTS

McKenna (Hanley, 46min)

McGinn (McLean, 66)

Gauld (Christie, 66)

Dykes (Conway, 66)

Not used: Slicker, McCrorie, Shankland, Taylor, Barron, Porteous, Armstrong, Devlin.

STEVE CLARKE-6

His starting lineup was loose, but he made the necessary adjustments to take advantage of Croatia’s red card

CROATIA

Dominik Kotarski-6

I didn’t have much to do in the first half other than push McTominay’s shot past the post. Helpless in front of the goal.

Kristijan Jakic-6

Relatively comfortable for most of the match as Scotand’s main threat lay elsewhere. Left with a late injury.

Josip Sutalo-6

Started to look vulnerable as the pressure increased. One pass straight to Gilmour should have led to a goal.

Duje Caleta-Car – 6

Stumbled through the first half and gave Conway almost no encouragement. Was stretched when Scotland went for it.

Josko Gvardiol-5

Considering a tough evening from Doak, especially in the second half. Will be happy to see the back of the young winger.

Luka Modric-7

As stylish as ever, always finding the space, dictating the pace and spraying it right and left.

Mateo Kovačić – 6

He always showed the ball and carefully moved it forward from his deep-lying role. Much of Croatia’s work began here.

Luka Sucic-7

A persistent threat coming from the right. The best of several goal attempts was beaten away by Gordon.

Petar Sukic-4

Just before the break, sent off for two bookings, the first for a foul on Gilmour, the second for Souttar’s clattering.

Martin Baturina-6

Didn’t make the most of his opportunities. Hesitated with one at the back post and saw another change direction.

Andrej Kramaric-7

Busy and dangerous in the box. Repeatedly tried to get a shot away, usually to the far post, but was usually pushed away.

REPLACEMENTS

Mario Pasalic (Kramaric, 64min)

Perisic (L Susic, 64)

Vlasic (Baturina, 75)

Pjaca (Jakic, 82)

Not used: Labrovic, Ivusic, Pongracic, Moro, Marco Pasalic, Orsic, Sosa, Matanovic.

Zlatko Dalic-6

Will be frustrated because his team was in control until indiscipline cost them.

Orel Grinfeeld (Israel) 6