A place in history was at stake as the national side attempted to qualify for the knock-out phase of a major tournament for the first time ever.
But it wasn’t to be as Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic combined to score twice in the second half after Callum McGregor had levelled for Scotland with the first goal of the tournament. Croatia had stunned Hampden into silence with an opener through Nikola Vlasic.
Scotland were without Billy Gilmour after the midfielder’s excellent performance at Wembley against England and Steve Clarke was forced into another change in the first half with Grant Hanley injured.
Here is how Scotland players rated in the biggest match the country has faced in decades …
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5. Andy Robertson - 6
The Croatians had clearly done their homework on Scotland’s left-side axis with the captain never allowed to maurade forward and instead ensured he was regularly pinned back as they doubled-up in his area. 6 Photo: CARL RECINE
6. Stephen O'Donnell - 5
If the Motherwell’s man Wembley showing was as satisfying as a tray of truffles from the finest chocolatier, his follow-up appearance was more like a bag of Revels - very much of the mixed variety. 5 Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS
7. Callum McGregor - 7
The brilliance of his pinpoint-accurate steered effort 18 yards out that claimed him a first goal for his country on the occasion of his 32nd cap will be little recalled because of the outcome. A real pity, as was his having to cover too much space without Gilmour as his foil. 7 Photo: LEE SMITH
8. Stuart Armstrong - 4
Essentially the man his manager urged to become the hero as relacement for the Covid-19 stricken Billy Gilmour, the midfielder’s questionable decision-making ensured the Chelsea man instead was pined for. He isn’t a sitter or a play builder, as evidenced by gaps left and slack passes made the Croatians exploited as they controlled the central area. No surprise he was the first tactical change. 4 Photo: PAUL ELLIS