Scotland suffered a third straight Nations League defeat after going down to an experienced Croatia side in Zagreb on Saturday.
Steve Clarke’s men took a first-half lead courtesy of an own goal from Duje Caleta-Car, before goals from Igor Matanovic and Andrej Kramaric turned things around for the hosts.
But who grew into the game after a quiet start? Who struggled against Luka Modric? And who was excellent in defeat?
Che Adams thought he’d secured a famous last-gasp leveller before VAR ruled it out for offside to pile on the heartache for the visitors. It’s now four defeats in a row for the Scots, who haven’t won since June.
Here, Mail Sport’s KEVIN MCKENNA rates the Scottish side after yet another agonising loss.
Boss Steve Clarke was left to ponder a third straight Nations League defeat for Scotland
Billy Gilmour and Kenny McLean were among the players left dejected after another loss
Andrej Kramaric wheeled away after completing the Croatia turnaround with the visitors initially taking the lead
Scotland (4-2-3-1)
Craig Gordon – 7.5
Veteran keeper made a number of big second-half stops after a quiet opening 45. Could do nothing to prevent equaliser and was unfortunate to see parry fall straight to Kramaric for the second.
Anthony Ralston – 6
Gave Sosa far too much space in the early stages. Eventually found his feet and tried to get forward when he could. A solid night’s work for the Celtic man.
Grant Hanley – 6.5
Unfortunate slip almost let Matanovic in, but recovered well to put in a decent display at the heart of defence. Made a number of vital blocks and headers to thwart the hosts.
John Souttar – 6
Composed on the ball and tried to build from the back. Was largely untroubled during first half but found himself up against it after the interval as Croatians turned the screw.
John Souttar (left) was composed but found himself up against it after the half time break
Andy Robertson was an attacking threat down the left however found himself caught out of position on occasion
Andy Robertson – 6
Offered an attacking threat down the left, firing in a number of dangerous balls across the six-yard box. Battled well against the trickery of Perisic, but was caught out of position on occasion.
Billy Gilmour – 6
Some neat touches in the middle of the park and always tried to play forward where possible. Had an early effort on goal which was comfortably dealt with.
Scott McTominay – 6
Has made an excellent start to life in Napoli since his summer switch, but wasn’t quite at his best on Saturday night. Found the going tough up against Modric in the middle of the park.
Kenny McLean – 6.5
Performed well in deep-lying role, cutting out several dangerous balls on the edge of his own area. Calm in possession and sparked a number of counter attacks for the visitors.
Ryan Christie – 6.5
Quiet in the early stages, but grew into the contest as the game wore on. Could perhaps have done better with a couple of second-half chances but offered a consistent attacking threat.
Ben Doak – 7
An excellent performance from the 18-year-old on his first international start. Was a real threat in the first half, jinking inside from the right, and played a key role in Scotland’s opener.
Lyndon Dykes – 5.5
Huffed and puffed up front, getting in the faces of the Croatia backline. Couldn’t be faulted for effort but was unable to threaten the opposition goal.
Scott McTominay has had a great start to life at Napoli but wasn’t quite at his best here
Substitutes
Adams (Dykes, 77)
Gauld (Doak, 77)
Not used: McCracken, McCrorie, MacKenzie, Irving, Porteous, Lindsay, Morgan, Nisbet, Devlin.
Manager
Steve Clarke – 6
Got team selection spot on and would have been delighted with his side’s display until the hour mark. Could have made changes sooner.
