Croatia Defeats Scotland 2-1 in Nations League
Croatia secured a 2-1 victory over Scotland in their Nations League match at Stadion Maksimir on Saturday. Andrej Kramaric scored the winning goal, condemning Scotland to their worst losing streak in five years.
Scotland took an early lead through Ryan Christie’s first-half goal but Croatia equalized before halftime through Igor Matanovic. Kramaric sealed the win midway through the second half.
Scotland’s losing streak now stands at four games, their longest since 2019. They have only one win in their last 15 matches, a 2-0 victory over Gibraltar in June.
Scotland’s injury list, which includes James Forrest, Kieran Tierney, and Jack Hendry, affected their performance. Despite this, another loss against Portugal on Tuesday would increase pressure on manager Steve Clarke.
Key moments:
- Lyndon Dykes’ audacious effort from halfway line showed Scotland’s intent.
- Christie fired wide after Andrew Robertson’s cross wasn’t cleared.
- Billy Gilmour tested Croatia’s keeper Dominik Livakovic with a 25-yard blast.
- Ben Doak, 18, became Scotland’s youngest player to start a competitive match since 1965.
- Doak’s cross led to Christie’s 32nd-minute opener.
- Matanovic equalized four minutes later.
- Kramaric headed in the rebound after Gordon parried Sosa’s strike.
In the final minutes, Che Adams’ stoppage-time equalizer was disallowed for offside.
This loss adds to Scotland’s struggles in the Nations League, sitting bottom of Group A1.
Related Stories:
- Nations League: Germany salvage 2-2 draw with Netherlands
- Cristiano Ronaldo makes history, becomes first player to score 900 goals
- Five killed in Croatia nursing home shooting.
