Scotland head coach Steve Clarke may not be ready to relax just yet, but his side has finally shaken off a frustrating winless streak with a vital 1-0 victory over Croatia. John McGinn’s first-half strike brought Scotland their first competitive win since September 2023, keeping alive their chances of a significant achievement in the Nations League.
The stakes remain high, with a top seeding for World Cup qualifying and a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals still within reach. Scotland will need to deliver another big performance against Poland on Monday while hoping for a favorable result between Croatia and Portugal.
McGinn’s Milestone and Scotland’s Fortunes
John McGinn, a reliable presence in Scotland’s midfield, notched his 19th international goal to secure the victory. The Aston Villa captain has consistently delivered in crucial moments, and this match was no different.
While the goal was decisive, the match turned on a controversial red card. Croatia’s Luka Sucic was dismissed in the first half after picking up a second yellow card for a seemingly soft foul. Clarke acknowledged the advantage, stating, “The sending off changed the game.”
Despite the breakthrough, Clarke remains cautious. “The first job is to go [to Poland] and win,” he said. “We’ll count up the goals and whatever else afterwards.” A three-goal swing between their match and Croatia’s result in Portugal is needed to claim second place in Group 1.
Rising Star Ben Doak Steals the Show
Though McGinn secured the result, it was Ben Doak who truly dazzled. The 19-year-old Liverpool forward, currently on loan at Middlesbrough, showcased his talent in a way that left fans and pundits in awe. Doak’s pace, confidence, and creativity gave Scotland a much-needed spark, particularly in the second half.
Doak’s fearless play tormented Croatia’s defense, with Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol struggling to contain him. The young forward registered the most touches in Croatia’s box among Scottish players and created multiple scoring opportunities, including the assist for McGinn’s goal.
“He’s got a lot of things—ridiculous pace, good skills, and no lack of belief,” said former Scotland winger Pat Nevin on BBC Radio 5 live. “At this point in time, he looks undroppable for Scotland.”
Doak, however, remained grounded, saying, “I just try and do what’s best for the team. If one of my actions leads to winning the game, then that’s great.”
Defensive Steel and Clarke’s Cautious Optimism
Scotland’s defensive resilience has been a cornerstone of their campaign. Consecutive clean sheets have kept them competitive in a group featuring top-tier opponents. Clarke credited his team’s determination, saying, “If you don’t concede goals, you always have a chance to win the game.”
Despite the win, Clarke acknowledged the fine margins that have defined recent matches. “For me, the pressure is not released. I still feel a little bit uptight,” he admitted. “You’re always waiting on that low blow that’s affected us a few times recently.”
Scotland’s victory wasn’t without fortune, but Clarke believes his team was overdue a break. “This is a group of players that want to be successful,” he said. “We were due that piece of good fortune.”
What’s at Stake in Warsaw?
Monday’s showdown against Poland will be pivotal. For Scotland to achieve their goals, they’ll need not just a win but help from Portugal. The scenario:
- Scotland must beat Poland.
- Croatia must lose to Portugal.
- A three-goal swing in Scotland’s favor is required to secure second place in Group 1.
Here’s a snapshot of the Group 1 standings:
| Team | Matches Played | Points | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | 5 | 13 | +8 |
| Croatia | 5 | 10 | +3 |
| Scotland | 5 | 7 | -1 |
Victory in Warsaw, combined with favorable results elsewhere, could see Scotland claim a top seeding for World Cup qualifying and advance to the Nations League quarter-finals.
The Bigger Picture
While the road ahead is challenging, Scotland’s win over Croatia represents more than just a single result. It’s a reminder of the team’s potential and a statement of intent as they look to end their campaign on a high note. For players like Ben Doak, the match was a personal breakthrough, signaling a bright future for the national team.
With everything to play for in Warsaw, Scotland has momentum on their side—and perhaps, finally, a bit of luck.
