Croatia vs Scotland: Nations League Clash Amidst Injury Woes and Broadcast Challenges

On Saturday, October 12, Scotland is set to face a formidable challenge as they take on Croatia in a UEFA Nations League match at the Stadion Maksimir in Zagreb. This encounter comes at a difficult time for Scotland, who are struggling with a record eight-match winless streak, including recent late defeats against Poland and Portugal.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke is grappling with a significant injury crisis, with up to 12 key players absent from the squad. Notable absentees include John McGinn, Kieran Tierney, Lawrence Shankland, Angus Gunn, and several others. Despite these setbacks, Clarke remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of good performances to secure points. The 41-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon is expected to start, given Gunn’s injury.

Croatia, ranked 12th in the world, presents a tough opposition. The Croatian team, led by the experienced Luka Modric, who at 39 is still a pivotal figure, will look to build on their recent win against Poland. Other key players like Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol are expected to feature prominently in the match.

The match, which kicks off at 5pm BST (UK time), will not be broadcast on traditional TV channels due to the absence of a TV deal. Instead, it will be available to stream on the Viaplay International YouTube channel, with the stream going live at 4:50pm.

Scotland’s recent form has been bleak, with only one win in their last 14 matches. However, Clarke is looking at the bigger picture, using these matches to prepare for future qualifying campaigns and ultimately aiming to take Scotland to a World Cup final.