Andrej Kramaric's winning goal for Croatia and late VAR call extend Scotland's misery | Nations League

The 120 days that passed between Scotland's opening of Euro 2024 and this clash in Zagreb were sobering for Steve Clarke. A tame exit from these finals, followed by a poor start to the Nations League, has seen the Scotland coach's patience wearing thin. A win of 14 became a win of 15 thanks to this Croatia win, but the circumstances were particularly dire for Scotland. With the last shot of the ball, Ché Adams thought he had scored a point. The video assistant referee comes and rules out the goal for offside. Clarke, who had briefly cheered, looked understandably distressed.

If Scotland's run of success continues until the end of this period, questions will arise as to whether Clarke is fit to lead his country into World Cup qualifying. That may seem overly harsh – this is a manager who is not only sorely lacking in resources but has also led Scotland to back-to-back European Championships – but it is the law of this particular jungle.

Although poor form was the biggest problem, illness had also caused unrest in the Scottish camp in the run-up to this game. Clarke could have done without it; He has already had to do without a dozen players due to injuries. The crisis creates opportunities. Ben Doak, the Liverpool teenager on loan at Middlesbrough, was allowed to start here for the first time in Scotland. Such is Scotland's desperation for emerging talent that Doak has been surrounded by giddiness for some time.

What was striking was the first half hour in which Croatia dominated the ball because they had no chance. Luka Sucic fired a free-kick into the Scottish wall after Grant Hanley clumsily knocked over Igor Matanovic. John Souttar blocked well against Andrej Kramaric. In response, Billy Gilmour shot from long range straight into the hands of Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, and Ryan Christie hit a threatening cross from the left that narrowly escaped Lyndon Dykes. It took 30 minutes for the hosts to trouble Craig Gordon, back in Scotland's goal at the age of 41, with the Hearts keeper parrying an angled shot from Kramaric. It would be an exaggeration to say Scotland were on par with the Croatians, but they looked reasonably comfortable.

Clarke's team soon found a foothold. The problem was that they only did this for four minutes. Doak caused panic in the Croatian defense with a lightning-fast run from the right flank. Scott McTominay continued to shoot, Josip Sutalo botched his attempted save and Christie struck from a tight angle. Duje Caleta-Car's attempt to clear the ball off the line proved futile. It was the highlight of the Scottish Nations League season so far.

Croatia's reaction was almost immediate. Ivan Perisic was the creator, with a wonderful back pass that left the Scottish backline wrong-footed. Matanovic smashed through Souttar's legs and left Gordon helpless. Croatia deserved the equalizer at the break. It was just that Scotland, needing so much momentum, would regret the circumstances in which it came. One step forward, one step back.

An acrobatic performance from Gordon prevented Luka Modric from giving Croatia the lead early in the second half. Modric, 39, found himself in the rare situation of being on the pitch next to someone, Gordon, who was older than him. This was international number 181 for the Real Madrid midfielder. Gordon's 76th goal came four months after the end of his international career. Both players are exceptional in their own way.

McTominay was unable to untangle his feet as he tried to fend off a knockdown from Dykes. Croatia's shaky defense boosted Scotland's hopes. Half an hour before the end of the game, Scotland were far more stubborn than at most points in the last 12 months. The concession of soft targets has repeatedly dashed Clarke's hopes of progress. Modric almost unsettled the visitors with this spectacular shot, shooting narrowly wide after dancing past McTominay.

Croatia then took the lead, which they almost deserved. Perisic hit Borna Sosa with a deep cross and the midfielder's volley was brilliantly parried by Gordon. But from then on the ball flew into the air and over the goal. Kramaric had the easiest task with a header from two meters.

Christie and Adams missed their chances before the late drama. Kenny McLean found Adams, who scored the goal via Kristijan Jakic. The shortened ceremony summarized the current situation in Scotland.