Scotland Manager Steve Clarke expressed disappointment after his team was denied a last-minute victory against Croatia in Zagreb. Despite the 2-1 loss, Clarke remains optimistic about the team’s progress, stating that they are on the right path.
The game saw Ryan Christie scoring for Scotland in the 33rd minute, only to be quickly equalized by Igor Matanovic. Andrej Kramaric then put Croatia ahead in the 70th minute. In the dying moments of the match, substitute Che Adams appeared to have scored the equalizer, but the goal was disallowed by VAR for offside.
Despite the setback, Clarke praised his team’s performance, highlighting their bravery on the ball and efforts to create chances. He emphasized the importance of having a full squad that is fit and healthy, acknowledging the challenges posed by injuries in the team.
Clarke also commended 18-year-old attacker Ben Doak on his first start for the team, cautioning against putting too much pressure on the young player. He noted that while Doak showed promise in his debut, it is essential to nurture young talents at the right pace and not rush their development.
Looking ahead to the next game against Portugal, Clarke urged his players to maintain their belief in the team’s progress and performance. Despite the recent string of losses, he remains confident that the team will eventually get the “rub of the green” and turn their fortunes around.
In conclusion, while the disappointment of the loss to Croatia was palpable, Clarke’s message to his team is clear – stay focused, keep pushing forward, and trust in the process. With a positive mindset and continued hard work, Scotland aims to bounce back and secure better results in the future.
