Croatia next on Scots radar

Glasgow – After a 23-year wait to even reach a major tournament, more history beckons for Scotland today if they can beat Croatia at Hampden Park to reach the knockout stage for the first time at Euro 2020.

A hard-earned 0-0 draw against England at Wembley has restored belief in the Scottish support that had been shaken by a 2-0 defeat to the Czech Republic in their opening match.

Victory against the World Cup finalists should be enough to seal Scotland’s place in the last-16 as one of the four best third-placed sides from the six groups, should they not pip England into second place in Group D.

Steve Clarke’s (above) decision to throw Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour in for his first international start on the biggest stage proved inspired as the 20-yearold outshone the Three Lions’ plethora of Premier League stars to walk away with the Man-of-theMatch award.

Unfortunately, Gilmour tested positive for coronavirus yesterday, dealing a huge blow to Scotland’s hopes.

“Scotland have found a play-maker to build around for the next decade,” former Scotland captain Graeme Souness wrote in The Times. “A proper footballer who can keep the ball in tight areas and does not give it away.”

That description fits perfectly with Croatia’s own pass master Luka Modric.

Now, 35, the Real Madrid midfielder still carries his country’s expectations on his shoulders.

His starring role in Croatia’s run to the World Cup final three years ago saw Modric become the only man since 2007 to break Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s grip on the Ballon d’Or.

However, Modric has so far cut a frustrated figure at the European Championship.

Like Scotland, Croatia also need to win to have any chance of progress to the last-16 after taking just one point from their– opening two games.

“We’re far from how we used to play,” said Modric after a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic last week.

Without the energy of the now retired Ivan Rakitic in midfield and the cutting edge provided by the bulldozing presence of Mario Mandzukic up front, Croatia have appeared very one-dimensional.

“Right now we’re not the Croatia we all want,” added Modric, who has already played 61 games for club and country this season.