McGinn ends Scotland’s drought with Nations League winner against Croatia
Scotland have ended their 23-year wait for a win over Croatia in dramatic fashion, with John McGinn prodicing a superb late strike to secure a 3-1 victory in their Nations League clash at Hampden Park.
Scotland, who last beat Croatia in a friendly match in 1999, had taken the lead through Ryan Christie’s penalty in the 11th minute but the visitors levelled through Nikola Vlasic shortly before half-time.
Substitute Stuart Armstrong restored Scotland’s lead in the 62nd minute and, although Croatia piled on the pressure, McGinn wrapped up the points with a clinical finish with just eight minutes remaining.
The victory moves Scotland top of Group B2, two points ahead of the Czech Republic, who won 1-0 against Slovakia in the other match, with Croatia dropping to fourth place.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke made three changes to the side that lost 3-0 to Ukraine in a friendly on Wednesday, with Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey and Che Adams all coming into the team.
The home side made a bright start and took the lead in the 11th minute when Christie coolly converted a penalty after he had been bundled over by Josip Juranovic.
Croatia responded well to going behind and Vlasic levelled the scores in the 39th minute with a powerful header from Mateo Kovacic’s cross.
Scotland began the second half strongly and Armstrong put them back in front in the 62nd minute with a low drive from the edge of the area after good work from John McGinn.
Croatia threw everything forward in search of an equaliser but Scotland held firm and McGinn sealed the victory in the 82nd minute with a clinical finish after a neat through ball from substitute Ryan Fraser.
The victory is a major boost for Scotland’s Nations League hopes and they will now be confident of reaching the semi-finals of the competition.
Reaction
Scotland manager Steve Clarke said: "I'm delighted with the performance and the result. We knew it would be a tough game but the players showed great character and determination to get the win."
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic said: "We're disappointed with the result but Scotland deserved to win. They were the better team on the night and we made too many mistakes."
Key facts
- Scotland ended their 23-year wait for a win over Croatia.
- John McGinn's goal was his third in four games for Scotland.
- Scotland are now top of Group B2 in the Nations League.
