John McGinn was the Hampden hero as he came off the bench to snatch a win against 10-player Croatia in the Nations League to end Scotland’s 10-game run without a competitive victory.
Steve Clarke’s side can secure third and avoid automatic relegation if they win their final game in Poland with hopes of a second-placed finish not over yet either.
The Croatians started with intent as Craig Gordon produced a string of saves before the game turned when Petar Sucic was sent off before the break after picking up a second booking for a barge on John Souttar before the break.
Scotland wasted a string of chances but McGinn, back in the squad after injury, crashed the ball into the net to wild celebrations after some magic from Ben Doak down the right wing.
The win keeps their hopes alive in A1. A win against Poland on Monday would guarantee third spot and a play-off against a League B side, though if they win and Croatia lose against Portugal with a three-goal swing they could yet find themselves in the quarter-finals.
Scotland end long wait for victory
McGinn started on the bench for Scotland
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke claimed his team selection had been giving him “sleepless nights” and one of his dilemmas became clear when McGinn was named among the substitutes.
The Aston Villa captain missed last month’s double-header through injury but he became super sub as he drew level with Ally McCoist on 19 goals in fifth place in Scotland’s all-time list.
Another big decision was handing Tommy Conway his first start in his third international, the only change to the team that started the goalless draw with Portugal.
Ben Doak impressed for Scotland against Croatia
Clarke’s choice of striker was immaterial in the opening stages as his side struggled to get out of their own half.
The visitors started strongly and Kenny McLean gifted them an early chance when he passed straight to Andrej Kramaric who fortunately shot wide.
Craig Gordon then produced a brilliant save to deny the Croatia striker, reacting quickly to get his boot to the ball to send it past the post.
After some desperate defending Scotland did manage to get forward. Ben Doak squared the ball to Scott McTominay on the edge of the box, Dominik Kotarski stopped his powerful effort.
Referee Orel Grinfeeld shows a red card to Croatia’s Petar Sucic against Scotland
The Tartan Army were lifted by that and three quick corners before Croatia regained control with Luka Sucic’s cross-shot deflected wide.
Gordon then showed again why he is still Scotland’s best number one as gathered Josko Gvardiol’s effort seconds after punching Luka Sucic’s strike clear.
Craig Gordon impressed in goal for Scotland
The visitors had impressed but were down to 10 before the break. Petar Sucic picked up a second booking for a barge on Souttar. It was soft, but it was a glimmer of hope for Steve Clarke’s side.
The Scots returned after the break with confidence and ambition. McTominay’s header looped just wide with Andy Robertson’s cross then hacked clear by the Croatia defence.
The chances kept coming but they couldn’t take them. Gilmour fired well over with Doak begging for the ball, then the winger sent Ryan Gauld’s cross past the post.
John McGinn scored the only goal of the game
Croatia continued to carry a threat with Ivan Perisic firing just wide before Gilmour again sent another chance soaring over the bar.
The game was wide open and Mario Pasalic passed up a brilliant chance for Croatia. He got the wrong side of Anthony Ralston but prodded his one-on-one chance with Gordon wide.
Then as time was running out, McGinn took his chance as he smashed the ball in after collecting from Doak who had impressed from kick-off.
Clarke delight as he looks for more in Warsaw
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Scotland manager Steve Clarke reflects on their 1-0 win against Croatia the keeps hopes of finishing second in their Nations League group alive
Scotland manager Steve Clarke:
“It’s nice to have a win on the board in a competitive match. Really pleased for the players.
“The effort they’ve put in up till now deserved more points and it’s nice to get that win.
“He [Ben Doak] was good, but I thought he might be. He’s come into the team, he’s shown a really positive attitude. He brings us something a little bit different to what we’ve had before, so I’m really pleased with Ben and he gets the assist for the goal with the run. He could maybe have had a couple more and could maybe have scored one himself.
“That’s a contribution from a young player that we need to protect and look after, but realise that he’s good for now and hopefully for a long time in the future.
“First job is to go there [Poland] and win. If we do that, then we’ll count up the goals and whatever afterwards, but let’s take it a step at a time.
“It’s been a hell of a long time since we’ve got a win and now we’ve got to get another one on Monday night. So, it’ll be nice to get back-to-back.
“I think we can be better with the ball. I think we can be more clinical when we get to the final third of the pitch. Obviously, the sending off changes the direction of the game, but we deserved a little break.”
What’s next for Scotland?
Scotland’s final Nations League match is away to Poland on Monday night. Kick-off 7.45pm.
