Croatia took on Scotland in their final match of the Euro 2020 group stages at Hampden Park, Glasgow.

After a turbulent start for the Balkans and a surprising run a form by Czech Republic, it wasn’t looking so good for Croatia in Group C. Getting three points against Scotland was vital for the travelling team to make it to the knock out stages.

The hosts started out on the front foot with a few promising chances in the opening minutes of the game.

Unfortunately for the Scots, Croatia made the breakthrough in the 17th minute. From a long cross, Ivan Perišić headed the ball down to Nikola Vlašić, who controlled it with his chest and squeezed the ball through the Scottish net near post.

The Croats had another solid chance 6-minutes later as captain Luka Modrić stepped up to smash a shot from the edge of the box. David Marshall tipped his gloves on the attempt and the ball went over.

By the 25th minute, there was a little fumble in the Croatia box as Scotland were looking to find their much-needed equaliser.

A header back into the Croatia box didn’t meet the feet of Adams or QPR’s Lyndon Dykes to score a goal.

Scotland captain Andy Robertson then won back a failed clearance by the Croats and fed the ball to Villa’s John McGinn, who shot directly at the Croatia keeper. The Tartan Army were roaring in the stands of Hampden Park.

In the dying minutes of the first half, Callum McGregor found the equaliser for Scotland from the edge of the box. After a half clearance by Croatia, McGregor drilled the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal and the home fans erupted.

The first half ended 1-1 with McGregor scoring his first goal for his national team.

Second Half

The pressure only built further for both teams in the second half as the Scots and Croats kept scaring each other on the counter attack.

Young Zagreb defender Joško Gvardiol was fed the ball in 50th minute and would’ve scored if Marshall didn’t make a brave block in the box.

Almost 10 minutes later, Scotland had the chance to make the breakthrough as McGinn made an aerial attempt near-keeper, but he unfortunately collided with Livaković as the ball missed his feet.

Another goal of the tournament contender was made as Croatia scored just past the hour-mark. Modrić curled a Quaresma-esque shot from the edge of the box into the top corner with the outside of his boot.

The visitors then went on the seal the game in the 77th minute with an impressive performance by their captain. Modric curled a ball near post to meet the head of Perisic, who scored in the far side of the net.

Croatia secure qualification the knockout phase of the Euro 2020 tournament.

 

Source of Image: UEFA EURO 2020 via Twitter

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