Croatia’s and Scotland’s hopes of advancing to the knockout stages of Euro 2020 are all resting at their meeting at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.
Given Croatia’s performance at the 2018 World Cup, it is impossible not to feel as if they have been hugely overwhelming at this summer’s tournament. They were beaten by England in their opening match and took up a point against the Czech Republic.
Scotland’s draw with England really met more positivity among their own supporters than they were south of the border and although it was not a victory, there were plenty of positive things to take away from it as they prepare for their Group D final. .
Here is a 90 min preview of Croatia vs Scotland.
Hampden Park hosts Croatia v Scotland Under the Light / Julian Finney / Getty Images
When is kick off? Tuesday 22 June, 20:00 (BST)Where is the match played? Hampden ParkWhich TV channel is it on? ITV1 / ITV Hub (UK), fuboTV (US)Who is the judge? Fernando Andres Rapallini (ARG)Who is WHERE? Alejandro Hernandez (ARG)
Borna Barisic can be mentioned in the starting line-up for the first time at Euro 2020 / Catherine Ivill / Getty Images
Croatia were able to welcome Rangers Borna Barisic at left-back after missing their first two group matches due to injury. Marcelo Brozovic was left out of the Czech Republic’s draw but looks set to return to the starting lineup for this one.
Bruno Petkovic was able to start on the front with Nikola Vlasic working from the edge as he continued to work towards full fitness.
Billy Gilmour has tested positive for coronavirus / Ian MacNicol / Getty Images
Scotland have received a huge blow before this important match with Billy Gilmour, one of their excellent artists against England, and tested positive for coronavirus. Stuart Armstrong is expected to come in to replace him.
Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes look set to start at the front, although Steve Clarke may consider playing Kevin Nisbet in hopes of scoring his first goal of the tournament.
Croatia: Livakovic; Vrsaljko, Vida, Lovren, Barisic; Brozovic, Kovacic; Vlasic, Modric, Perisic; Petkovic.
Scotland: Marshall; McTominay, Hanley, Tierney; O’Donnell, McGregor, Armstrong, McGinn, Robertson; Dykes, Adams.
Croatia have never beaten Scotland in a competitive match since their independence. The last meeting between these two nations took place in October 2013, a game in which the Scots won 2-0.
In the previous five meetings, Scotland has won twice with the other three occasions all ending in a draw.
Croatia can celebrate came full time on Tuesday night / Pixsell / MB Media / Getty Images
Nothing less than a victory will do for any of these sides and even if it’s a cagey start, any boss will need to throw the sink at some point.
Scotland’s failure to score so far has been disappointing but Croatia have only succeeded and it is fair to say that the first strike here could prove crucial.
After reaching the 2018 World Cup final, Zlatko Dalic’s men definitely have the upper hand when it comes to the big game experience, but the home advantage for the shots evens out the playing field.
Croatia’s superior technical quality in midfield could see them have the majority of possession and their more patient style could see them win this with a single goal.
Prediction: Croatia 1-0 Scotland
