Luka Modric managed a stunning final as Croatia beat Scotland 3-1 on Tuesday to leave a slow start to Euro 2020 and reach the last 16, leaving their opponents in the tournament again. Nikola Vlasic and Ivan Perisic were also targeted in a win for Croatia, which saw Zlatko Dalic’s team move to second place in Group D by four points in their first two games, so easy and unconcerned.
Croatia will face second place in Group E – where Sweden, Slovakia, Spain and Poland are still playing for position – in Copenhagen on 28 June. Scotland, who scored their only goal of the tournament through Callum McGregor, finished at the bottom of the pile at one point, falling to the ground with a bang after a positive performance against England at Wembley, having won the first knockout of the major tournament. Raised hopes of arriving in time.
Modric’s form in the tournament was questioned, but the 35-year-old made a delightful end in the second half with the outside of his foot in the corner of the net and made it 2-1, leaving his side in one.
Deprived of Billy Gilmour, who failed a cumulative COVID-19 test, Scotland seemed to be short in the middle and Croatia led the ball, with long possession, before qualifying for the lead after 17 minutes, Vlasic scored the sixth goal for his country.
It looked like a cross on the right was a bit of a threat floating towards the far gate, but Perisic rose above his mark and turned in the bottom corner for Vlasic to finish. The goal ended life at Hampden Park, and Scotland’s fortunes did not improve as Croatia stroked passes around the field, but as the World Cup finalists tried to turn the corner, Steve Clark’s team made a comeback.
Watch football results of the Euro 2020 match where Croatia beat Scotland.
