Croatia v Scotland LIVE: Nations League result and final score as Scots suffer more late heartbreak | OneFootball

Scotland’s players react after a late equaliser is ruled out for offside (REUTERS)

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.

Scotland now have their longest winless run in competitive matches in their history, having drawn three and lost six of their last nine.

They’ve also lost four consecutive games for the first time since October 2019.

Chris Wilson12 October 2024 19:40

Luckless Scotland suffer another late twist in Nations League

Che Adams had a last-gasp goal ruled out as luckless Scotland suffered a 2-1 Nations League defeat to Croatia in Zagreb.

Ryan Christie shot the disciplined visitors ahead in the 33rd minute from a tight angle before striker Igor Matanovic levelled three minutes later.

Steve Clarke’s side came under increasing pressure after the break and eventually succumbed in the 70th minute of the League A Group 1 encounter at Stadion Maksimir when Andrej Kramaric headed the home side in front.

Luckless Scotland suffer another late twist in Nations League

Croatia 2-1 Scotland: After conceding late goals in last month’s defeats, Steve Clarke’s side had a last-gasp equaliser ruled out in Zagreb

Chris Wilson12 October 2024 19:26

FT: Croatia 2-1 Scotland

So Scotland come away from another Nations League match where they’ll feel like they deserved at least a point but left with none.

Steve Clarke’s side played well in parts, though they lacked the required quality in the final third and were guilty of falling asleep for the goals they conceded.

They have repeatedly shown that they can compete with Europe’s best, but they seem to just lack that final bit of luck/quality/composure.

So close yet so far once again.

Chris Wilson12 October 2024 19:07

FULL-TIME! Croatia 2-1 Scotland

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Chris Wilson12 October 2024 19:02

GOAL! Croatia 2-2 Scotland

94 mins

GOAL!

Oh my word! Right at the last moment, Scotland level it!

The ball comes across to Robertson and he brings it down well. He tries to play it to McLean, who almost loses it on the edge of the box, but he back-heels it past the onrushing defenders and into the path of Che Adams.

In the confusion, the Croatia defenders try and get a foot to it and Jakic flies in, diverting it past Livakovic and into his own net!

Hang on though – there’s a VAR check.

(Getty Images)