Scotland suffered yet another defeat last night as the Nations League A proves to be a step too far.
This time it was Croatia who inflicted more pain on Steve Clarke’s side, making it three defeats from three so far after games against Portugal and Poland ended the same way.
The Scots were once again competitive in the game but lacked a cutting edge as they failed to match up performance and result, losing by just one goal for the the third game in a row, four if you include Hungary at the Euros.
Ryan Christie actually earned a lead after half an hour, slotting past the goalkeeper after a defensive error following more positivie play from Ben Doak. But the Croatians were soon level through Igor Matanovic.
Andrej Kramarić edged the home side in front with just 20 to play but there was drama at the end as Scotland thought they’d equalised. Che Adams latched onto a loose ball and managed to force it home, but ended up being called offside by VAR.
Clarke insists Scotland ‘on right track’
It is a long time since Scotland tasted victory and the manager has come under plenty of flak for the miserable run and also poor performance at Euro 2024.
But he remains steadfast in his belief that the team are moving in the right direction under his guidance.
Speaking post-match, Clarke said: “I thought we were brave with the ball. We tried to play, tried to create chances. On another night we would’ve got what we deserved.
“A full squad fit and healthy would be a help. There’s so much disappointment in the dressing room that it’s probably better to wait until we get back to Glasgow to analyse the game, but I feel like we’re on the right path.
“We haven’t regressed. We just have to keep believing, keep pushing away. We felt as though we managed to rescue a point and then that’s taken away, so you can understand why they’re really down just now. We’ll go away lick our wounds and prepare to go again on Tuesday night (against Portugal).”
Scotland’s miserable run
Scotland have now won just once in their last 15 games, a friendly victory over Gibraltar, and the Croatia defeat was their fourth in a row since drawing with Switzerland at the Euros.
In competitive matches, it is nine without a win.
Being in the top section for the Nations League obviously makes things harder but it could be argued they should beat Poland at home.
And amid the poor run their have also been winnable games against Finland, Northern Ireland, Georgia and Norway, as well as Switzerland and Hungary in the summer.
Clarke will continue to face questions until the slide is arrested but the performances have certainly been there.