John McGinn scored the only goal as Scotland took down 10-man Croatia 1-0 to secure their first Nations League win in Group A.
The Aston Villa midfielder notched his 19th international strike, drawing level with Ally McCoist, four minutes from time as Scotland keep their hopes of finishing second alive.
Steve Clarke sprung a surprise opting for inexperienced Tommy Conway to lead the line on his first start. It was the veteran Craig Gordon was on hand to deny Croatia a lead within the opening 10 minutes however, sticking out a leg to divert Andrej Kramaric’s effort from close range round the post.
Ben Doak awoke Hampden from its early slumber with an audacious flick around Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol. The 19-year old also had the wherewithal to pick a pass inside, but Scott McTominay’s effort was well saved by Dominik Kotarski.
41-year-old Gordon was kept busy throughout the half and ten minutes before the break he pulled off an impressive triple save.
Petar Sucic was given his marching orders two minutes before the break. The forward raked a high boot down the knee of John Souttar and referee Orel Grinfeeld wasted no time in flashing a second yellow.
The game became stretched in the second period. Billy Gilmour fired two efforts high into the stand from the edge of the area before Mario Pasalic got the better of Anthony Ralston to latch on to a delicious Modric pass, only for his attempt to trickle wide.
Scotland then took the lead with only minutes left. Ben Doak, who had been a bright spark all evening, delivred a fizzing cross which was parried away by Kotarski into the path of subsitute John McGinn who buried his strike to put the Tartan Army ahead.
The win keeps Scotland’s hope of finishing second in Group A alive going into Monday
