Scotland 1-0 Croatia: Analysis

We’ll never know what might have happened had the red card not been shown but Scotland won’t care.

This vindicates the hard times Scotland have had to endure in this campaign and, while they were handed a huge slice of fortune, they still had to deliver.

That said, Clarke’s side were being taught a lesson in the opening half. Croatia seized the initiative and Scotland repeatedly made mistakes.

Time and time again, players in blue turned over possession far too easily. Often, in the most dangerous of areas. They were riding their luck way too often.

The sending off changed everything and all that was lacking was a little quality or composure as they tried to stretch their opponents and get in.

Performances have, at times, offered optimism but the reality is a win here offered the unlikely hope of rescuing this Nations League campaign.

The reaction of the Hampden crowd at full-time said it all. Scotland can still earn a relegation play-off but must deliver again in Poland on Monday.