Croatia beat Scotland to finish eighth

Croatia won the third and final Group D match 3-1 against Scotland in Glasgow on Tuesday.

The vice-world champion (4 points) is also second in goals thanks to goals from Nikola Vlasic (17th, 1-0), Luka Modric (62nd, 2-1) and Ivan Perisic (77th, 3-1). England beat Czechia 1-0. The Scots, who temporarily leveled by Callum McGregor (42nd, 1-1), were eliminated (‘1 point).

Zlatko Dalic first started ‘templates’ to counter Vlasic, Bruno Petkovic and Josip Juranovic, Scottish physical power. The Croatian coach has specifically found the package Marcelo Brozovic against the Czech Republic due to a knee injury. Along with Matteo Kovacic, the Inter Milan midfielder was called in to clean up behind Modric. Scottish coach Steve Clarke was forced to work without Billy Gilmour, who tested positive for COVID-19, and was replaced by Stuart Armstrong.

In front of their home visitors, the Scots applied great pressure to force two corners from the start (first) and a curved cross from John McGuin was punched by Dominic Livakovic (6th). While Scottish midfielders McGuin and Armstrong passed as quickly as they could, the Croatian midline was not overwhelmed. Dismissed by Modric, Juranovic focused on the away post where Ivan Perisic fell back with his head to Vlasic, who controlled before scoring from the left (17th, 1-0).

After suffocating in a few minutes, Scotland were healed and isolated by Andrew Robertson, who had benefited from the loss of Modric’s ball, with McGinn crushing his shot (25th). The meeting was agonizing more and more when, on a fast against McGregor, McGregor took advantage of his return in the pivot to score his first goal in the selection (42nd, 1–1).

At the break, the Flower of Scotland resonated in Hampden Park and, paradoxically, the Scottish anthem further inspired the Croats, who began to circle around the opposing rectangle. The British escaped when Josco Guardiol had some lengthy control while Vlasic sent him face to face with David Marshall (50th). The Scottish goalkeeper won another duel against Perisic, which was launched well by Modric (56th).

Scotland tried to overcome the classy gesture of Modric, who became the youngest and oldest Croatian to score at Euros, but Croatia took cover on a corner kick in the first post … Modric, Perisic completely crossed his head (77th, 3-1). It was time for the Croats to play the clock with enthusiasm against the Scots, who were struggling to advance.

In the 16th round, Croatia will face the runners-up in Group E.

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