Croatia v Scotland LIVE: Nations League result and final score as Scots suffer more late heartbreak
Croatia 2-1 Scotland: After late defeats to Poland and Portugal, Che Adams saw a 95th minute equaliser ruled out by VAR
Scotland’s winless run in competitive games grew to nine games as Steve Clarke’s side fell to defeat to Croatia in Zagreb after Che Adams saw a last-minute equaliser ruled out by VAR.
The visitors thought they had secured their first Nations League point of the campaign after Adams helped scramble in an equaliser in the 95th minute, but the substitute was offside by a fraction.
After late defeats to Poland and Portugal, it means Andrej Kramaric’s winner leaves Scotland without a point in the Nations League ahead of the visit of Portugal on Tuesday.
Without up to 12 players due to injury, Scotland struck first as Ryan Christie capitalised on a mistake in the Croatia defence to fire his first competitive goal in two years.
But Scotland were pegged back almost immediately when Igor Matanovic fired a first-time finish past goalkeeper Craig Gordon, recalled by Clarke at the age of 41.
Croatia then took the lead in an open game, as an unmarked Kramaric headed into the net after a save from Gordon.
Christie spurned a golden chance to equalise for Scotland on the breakaway and Adams went narrowly wide with a flick in stoppage time before the substitute saw his last-gasp effort ruled out.
HALF-TIME! Croatia 1-1 Scotland
It started off slowly but it turned into an intriguing half for the neutral, and one that fans of both sides can take positives from.
Scotland have come so close to grabbing points off their opponents in their opening two fixtures, so can they finally take a result here?
There have certainly been encouraging signs, and it looks like they can get some real joy down the wings.
HALF-TIME! Croatia 1-1 Scotland
HALF-TIME! Croatia 1-1 Scotland
HALF-TIME!
The referee brings the first half to an end in Zagreb, and both teams head into the break level.
Neither side will be unhappy with that.
Croatia 1-1 Scotland
45 mins
Great work from DOak in the middle of the park to skip past a challenge and keep the attack alive. Moments later, McLean is scythed down by Sucic and there’s another opportunity for a free-kick.
There’ll be just one minute of added time in the first half, as the set-piece goes straight out for a goal kick.
44 mins
Doak tries to clip in another early cross but it’s straight to Livakovic.
Croatia counter but Hanley does well to shepherd it back to Gordon.
Croatia 1-1 Scotland
43 mins
The corner comes to nothing after some solid defending from Scotland and it suddenly feels as if the half is petering out as it comes to an end.
Croatia 1-1 Scotland
41 mins
Robertson’s corner is cleared for a throw, and eventually Croatia get it clear. Modric and Sosa lead the counter, and Robertson concedes a corner.
Croatia 1-1 Scotland
40 mins
Perisic is booked for taking down McLean after the Scot had nipped in to dispossess him. It’s a dangerous area for a delivery too.
It’s deep delivery to the back post but Pasalic cuts it out for a corner.
Croatia 1-1 Scotland
38 mins
The game has sprung into life suddenly now, as Dykes is penalised for a late challenge near the Croatia box.
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