Scotland vs Croatia

Hampden Park forms the backdrop for a ‘make or break’ UEFA Nations League clash between Scotland and Croatia.

Scotland’s maiden appearance in League A has been an utter disaster, even though they stunningly held free-scoring Portugal to a 0-0 home draw last time out. Despite arresting a disastrous three-game losing streak in Group A1, Steve Clarke’s men are on the verge of an immediate return to Division B unless they bridge a three-point gap to third-placed Poland in the last two rounds. That’s easier said than done, considering the Tartan Army’s embarrassing run of just one victory across their previous 16 internationals (D5, L10), courtesy of a 2-0 friendly win against continental minnows Gibraltar. Scotland will take the field amid a ten-game winless streak in all competitions (D4, L6), seeking revenge for a 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture last month, which saw them lose despite taking the lead.

On the other hand, after a disheartening group-stage exit at Euro 2024, Croatia slumped to a 2-1 away defeat to Portugal in their curtain-raising Group A fixture, suggesting their golden era was fading. However, Zlatko Dalic’s men have got back on track with a three-game unbeaten run (W2, D1), moving on the cusp of a second consecutive playoff qualification in this competition. But with third-placed Poland only three points below, the job is half-done, especially considering the Croats have only won four of their last 11 Nations League away matches (D1, L6). The visitors can draw heart from beating Scotland in back-to-back H2Hs ‘to one,’ including a 3-1 triumph at Hampden Park in the group stage of Euro 2020.