Scotland vs Croatia – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Scotland need a result against Croatia this evening if Steve Clarke’s side are to avoid relegation from the top tier of the Nations League.

The Tartan Army are bottom of the group with just a solitary point and relegation could be confirmed if Poland better their result tonight in their clash against Portugal.

Despite some encouraging performances, if not results, Scotland have now won just once in 16 internationals since September 2023. The result has been a plummet in their FIFA ranking and Clarke’s side could find themselves in Pot 3 for 2026 World Cup qualification unless there is immediate improvement.

Here is everything you need to know about tonight’s clash.

Scotland vs Croatia – Match preview and team news

Form

Scotland: LLLLD

It’s been a torrid run for Scotland over the last 14 months, with a 2-0 win over minnow Gibraltar their only success in 16 attempts. Scotland, largely, have played top opposition during that run and their Nations League campaign has been one of near misses.

A 3-2 defeat at home to Poland, despite recovering from two goals down to level, was a setback before narrow losses (2-1) in Portugal and Croatia. A goalless draw at home to the Portuguese got Scotland on the board and showed Clarke’s side have the capabilities to mix it with elite sides at their best.

However, time is running out to improve their FIFA ranking and avoid relegation from the top tier of the Nations League. Scotland host Croatia before travelling to Poland in their final fixture

Croatia: DLWWD

Croatia are a team in transition with their Golden Generation of talent that finished second and third at the previous two World Cups nearing the end. A winless group-stage exit at Euro 2024 hinted at a team caught between two generations, but their Nations League campaign has offered encouragement.

Croatia sit second with seven points from four games and remain in contention to reach the finals, ahead of their clashes with Scotland and group leaders Portugal this month.

Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramarić remain and each boast over a century of Croatia caps, though there are high hopes that the likes of Martin Baturina and Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol can lead a new era.

Scotland will hope to capitalise on the vulnerabilities that saw Croatia blow a 3-1 lead to draw in Poland last time out. They’ve kept just one clean sheet in their last eight.

Last Meeting

Croatia 2-1 Scotland, 12th October 2024, Nations League

Croatia came from behind to take the points when the teams met in Zagreb last month. Ryan Christie fired Scotland in front after 33 minutes, after being teed up by the impressive Ben Doak on his first start for the senior side. Scotland were without 10 players, including John McGinn and Lewis Ferguson, and failed to hold onto their lead.

Igor Matanović scored his first Croatia goal to level three minutes after Christie’s opener, before Kramaric found a second-half winner for the hosts. Scotland restricted Croatia to few clear-cut chances but it was not enough to earn a result.

Predicted Lineups

Scotland: Gordon; Ralston, Souttar, Hendry, Robertson; McLean, Gilmour; McGinn, McTominay, Doak; Dykes.

Croatia: Labrovic; Sutalo, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol; Perisic, Modric, Kovacic, Sosa; Baturina, Kramaric; Matanovic.

Who is the referee?

Orel Grinfeeld (Israel)

What channel is Scotland vs Croatia on?

Viaplay holds the rights to all of Scotland’s competitive home and away matches until 2028.

What time is kick off?

19:45 BST.

Odds

Scotland – 12/5

Draw – 12/5

Croatia – 23/20

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