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Croatia vs Scotland LIVE: Nations League result and final result as Scots suffer more heartbreak later

Croatia vs Scotland LIVE: Nations League result and final result as Scots suffer more heartbreak later

Ben Doak in action for Scotland in Zagreb
Ben Doak in action for Scotland in Zagreb (REUTERS)

Scotland's winless run extended to nine games as Steve Clarke's side suffered defeat to Croatia in Zagreb after Che Adams had a last-minute equalizer ruled out by VAR.

The visitors thought they had secured their first Nations League point of the season after Adams helped equalize in the 95th minute, but the substitute was narrowly caught offside.

After late defeats to Poland and Portugal, it means Andrej Kramaric's winner leaves Scotland without a Nations League point ahead of their visit to Portugal on Tuesday.

With up to 12 players missing through injury, Scotland struck first when Ryan Christie capitalized on a mistake in the Croatia defense to score his first competitive goal in two years.

But Scotland were back almost immediately when Igor Matanovic fired a first-time finish past goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who Clarke recalled at the age of 41.

Croatia then took the lead in open play when an unmarked Kramaric headed into the net after a save from Gordon.

Christie missed a golden chance to equalize for Scotland on the breakaway and Adams shot narrowly wide in stoppage time before the substitute saw his final attempt thwarted.

FULL TIME! Croatia – Scotland 2:1

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Chris WilsonOctober 12, 2024 7:02 p.m

FULL TIME! Croatia – Scotland 2:1

This is the last action of the game as the referee blows the final whistle.

Scotland deserved at least a point there but there is once again late drama as they come away empty-handed.

Chris WilsonOctober 12, 2024 6:57 p.m

ILLEGAL GOAL! Croatia – Scotland 2:1

Heartbreak for Scotland as they are deprived of a point they so richly deserve.

Che Adams was actually offside beforehand.

Chris WilsonOctober 12, 2024 6:56 p.m

GOAL! Croatia – Scotland 2:2

Oh my word! At the last moment Scotland equalizes!

The ball comes to Robertson and he brings it down well. He tries to pass the ball to McLean, who almost misses it on the edge of the box, but he backheels it past the onrushing defenders and into the path of Che Adams.

In the confusion, the Croatian defenders try to get a foothold and Jakic flies in and directs the ball past Livakovic into his own net!

But wait – there’s a VAR check.

Chris WilsonOctober 12, 2024 6:54 p.m

Croatia – Scotland 2:1

It won't be long before Scotland can salvage something here, but it's time for another attack…

Chris WilsonOctober 12, 2024 6:52 p.m

Croatia – Scotland 2:1

Brilliant play from McTominay as he gets past Modric but he ends up firing an aimless ball into the box which is easily cleared.

Scotland come again but Christie gets into trouble before Gilmour is booked for a counter-throw at Baturina.

Chris WilsonOctober 12, 2024 6:51 p.m

Croatia – Scotland 2:1

There are four minutes of added time in Zagreb. Perisic was replaced by defensive midfielder Kristijan Jakić.

Chris WilsonOctober 12, 2024 6:49 p.m

Croatia – Scotland 2:1

Christie does well to skip a challenge before playing a high cross to the opposition wing, but the attack ends after a poor, deep cross from McLean.

Moments later there is some brilliant play from the away team as Gauld slides a lovely through ball into the path of Adams who tries to direct it over goal but no one is there to convert it.

Chris WilsonOctober 12, 2024 6:49 p.m

Croatia – Scotland 2:1

A lovely disguised pass from Gilmour releases Gauld, whose early cross forces Caleta-Car to take a great free kick.

Gauld shoots the ball to McTominay, who sets up his man and eventually shoots past the far corner, but he is offside.

Chris WilsonOctober 12, 2024 6:46 p.m

Croatia – Scotland 2:1

Too many of Scotland's attacks go straight to Livakovic.

Croatia now increase the pressure as Baturina fires a low cross that requires a great free throw opportunity from Souttar.

Chris WilsonOctober 12, 2024 6:44 p.m

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