October 12, 2024, Croatia faced Scotland in the UEFA Nations League in Zagreb at Maksimir Stadium, where they secured a 2-1 victory. Heading into this game Croatia were without Mateo Kovačić which led to bad passing and giving away possession many times. Dalić went with a 3-4-3 with Matanović up top with Kramarić and Sučić beside him. Modrić played along side Mario Pasalić in the midfield, In my opinion it should have been Petar Sučić but that is just another case of Dalić not playing his young talents. RWB was Perišić and LWB was Sosa, with the back three of Gvardiol, Caleta-Car, Šutalo with Livakovic in net.
The match started with Scotland taking an early lead in the 32nd minute. Ryan Christie managed to score off a Luka Sučić mistake. Croatia quickly responded, with 21 year old Igor Matanović netting the equalizer just four minutes later, scoring his first goal for the Croatian National Team. At only 21 years old, Matanović’s goal showcases his potential and readiness to contribute when it matters most, he’s going to be a huge contributor for years to come.
The second half saw Croatia take charge of the match. Andrej Kramarić in his 99th match for the national team, scored the decisive goal in the 70th minute. He capitalized on a rebound from a save by Scotland’s goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
Luka Modrić continues to look like he’s 29 years old still a key figure for Croatia. Modric’s ability to control the tempo of the game and his passing helped Croatia maintain possession and create scoring opportunities. His leadership on the pitch remains invaluable.
As the match approached the ending, Scotland intensified their efforts to equalize, creating several opportunities. In a dramatic typical Croatia ending of a match Scotland thought they had scored when Kristijan Jakić deflected the ball into his own net. Thankfully a VAR check ruled out the goal due to an offside by substitute Che Adams
The performance of young players like Matanovic, Sučić cousins and Baturina alongside the guidance of Modric, shows the future of the Croatian National team is on the right path.
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