Croatia picked up a comprehensive 3-1 win against the hosts Scotland at Hampden Park, thus securing their qualification to the round of 16 of Euro 2020, alongside England from Group D.
Scots showed their intentions at the start, but it was Croatia who drew first blood through Niko Vlasic, whom Zalko Dalic chose to start ahead of Ante Rebic.
The hosts came knocking on Croatia’s door with a handful of chances, and midfielder Callum McGregor netted the equaliser to end the first half on a high note.
However, Scots couldn’t prevent Croatia from adding two more goals, and the scorers were talismans Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic, with the former involved in both the goals. The defeat also means that the Scots have finished lower in Group D with 1 point.
Modric weaves his magic for Croatia
Croatia’s current team is not the same as the 2018 World Cup fairy tale team, but we see the same old Luka Modric, who is ageing like a fine wine. The Real Madrid star continues to deliver goods despite the increasing pressure and responsibility to achieve success in Euro 2020. The 35-year-old handed Scotland a thunderous blow when he scored a spectacular goal before setting up Perisic’s header from the corner kick.
Scots’ attack was a letdown
Scotland can be happy with the fact they had broken the goal drought in Euros, but their attack turned out to be futile. The duo of Che Adams and Dykes hardly made their presence felt, with most of the attacking moves made by some of the midfielders. Perhaps, there were plenty of chances that went begging for the hosts, who would be certainly regretting in hindsight.
Scotland’s hoodoo in the major tournament continues in Euro 2020
This year’s European Champion marked Scotland’s first competition in around two decades, yet they failed to make it a memorable one. Perhaps, their hoodoo in the major tournament continues as they have been eliminated in the group stages all the times (11) they had played.
