Without going into tactics or starting XI (we will do that later in the week), Croatia can lock up a Nations League quarterfinal berth this Friday in Glasgow under the following two scenarios:
- Beat Scotland
- Draw Scotland AND have Poland draw/lose to Portugal
Should be easy enough, right? Croatia just beat Scotland in Zagreb but needed to come-from-behind with goals from Matanović and Kramarić. And don’t forget Scotland’s last second equalizer at the death was ruled offside after a lengthy VAR review. The Scots will be a tough match — especially on home soil — with their Nations League campaign on the line. Anything less than a win puts them in deep relegation trouble.
Scotland aren’t playing the worst football as of late, but their form is not great. In their last seven matches going back to Euro 2024, Scotland are winless with two draws and five defeats; drawing Switzerland (Euro 2024) and Portugal (Nations League). Scotland have only scored 2+ goals in the same 7-game span. It’s probably safe to say they will need at least two goals to beat Croatia this Friday.
On the flip side, Croatia have troubles of their own even though a draw should do the trick. Going back to Euro, Croatia have only scored first in two of their last seven matches: vs. Italy at Euro and Modrić’s free kick winner vs. Poland in Nations League.
The Vatreni should be in control of the Scotland match if they score first, as the Scots would need to start chasing 2+ goals for a result. But if Scotland do find the back of the net first, that could be trouble. Scotland is a great bunker team and could park the bus. Regardless, Croatia is in a great position to finish top-2 in group and book a Nations League. Their last match will be played Monday in Split against Portugal.
When i first read ‘’should be easy enough’’ I thought to myself look at this they’re gonna mess it up since on paper it looks easy lol and here we are down 0-1 indeed
These games are actually at a decent time (5.45am) for me so i’ll get to watch both which is nice. Expecting Scotland not to be easy but it kinda could go either way, mostly just cos we are so erratic.
Who do you think will be our starting goalkeeper vs Scotland? I don’t believe Dalić has announced the starter yet. I would guess Labrović since he was selected to replace Livaković after the red? Apparently his save percentage is the worst in the Bungesliga, so should we be worried?
It should be Kotarski, who was injured last international break. He’s an excellent keeper all-around.
Excellent re Keeper focus
Keep it up
T-2
#EveryWingerDoesn’tMatter
Let’s see if the random Dalic experiments work this game