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When Che Adams ran off in celebration, thinking he had helped secure a draw with the final kick of the match, there was a sense that Scotland were about to get what they deserved for their performance.
Without more than 10 players, including John McGinn, Aaron Hickey, Lewis Ferguson and Scott McKenna, and with Adams not fit enough to start, Steve Clarke’s depleted group is largely undisciplined. They gave Croatia very few quality chances.
At the other end, 18-year-old Ben Doak shone especially in his first start, driving the team forward on the right flank and contributing to Christie’s opener.
As with their losses to Poland and Portugal, there were plenty of bright spots, but they still ended up losing by one point.
Considering they have won one game in their last 15 games against Gibraltar, but have conceded 35 goals in that game, the statistics are grim.
However, that doesn’t tell the whole story. It’s always going to be tough for Scotland, who play the best in European international football, even if everyone is healthy and available.
But that task has become even more difficult as many players have been injured and their bodies and styles have changed.
Clarke has ensured Scotland remain competitive, but the longer the slump continues, the less positive stories will fall on deaf ears.
