Sat Oct 12 15:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Scotland Faces Tough Test in Croatia, Aiming for First Win in Nations League
Zagreb, Croatia – Scotland will be hoping to turn around their fortunes in the UEFA Nations League when they face Croatia at Stadion Maksimir on Saturday, aiming for their first victory in the competition.
The Scots have endured a difficult start, losing their opening two games against Poland and Portugal, leaving them at the bottom of Group A1. This run of form extends to a broader struggle, as they are winless in their last eight competitive matches.
Their task is made even harder by a growing injury list. The latest casualty is winger James Forrest, who joins a lengthy list of players unavailable, including Kieran Tierney, John McGinn, and Scott McKenna.
However, manager Steve Clarke remains positive, insisting that his team can compete with Croatia, who are ranked 12th in the world. “We’re here to compete, we are here to get – hopefully – a win on the board, or at least a point on the board,” said Clarke.
Croatia, meanwhile, will be looking to continue their strong form in the Nations League. They come into the match after a 1-0 victory over Poland last month and have won six of their last eight games in the competition.
The Croatian side boasts Luka Modric, a legendary figure in world football, who continues to inspire at the age of 39. Modric is expecting a tough game despite his team’s previous victory over Scotland at Euro 2020.
“The last match against Scotland has excellent memories for all of us. It was a difficult game against a tough opponent, as it always is against Scotland,” said Modric, who is known for his passion and fighting spirit, qualities that he admires in the Scottish team.
Scotland will be looking to capitalize on Croatia’s absence of Mateo Kovacic, who is out injured. However, they face a daunting challenge in a team that reached the World Cup final in 2018.
The match kicks off at 17:00 BST and will be broadcast live on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Scotland.
First Piper 