'We came up well short' - Scotland's Euros over after Croatia defeat

1. Victory moves Croatia up to second in group on goals scored & into last-16
2. Vlasic silences Hampden, then McGregor skids in leveller just before break
3. But Modric flashes in stunning second & Perisic heads in third from corner

'I think we'll do it'

Neil McCann

Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound

This could be a very special night for Scotland, and I think we'll do it. I fancy Dykes and Adams to really perform. It'd be lovely to score before half-time and be comfortable, enjoy the occasion, but we're Scottish. One of the main reasons we were successful against England was that we were fired up - I think that aggressive nature, plus some quality, will be necessary tonight.

Scotland need to 'swarm' Modric

Former Scotland internationals and Stuart McCall and Charlie Adam were gushing about Luka Modric on last night's Sportsound.

"If Modric is allowed to dictate, then we could be in trouble," said McCall.

"Everything goes through him, so we need to swarm him. He’ll go looking for the ball and that leaves spaces," said Adam.

Modric still the main man for Croatia

Whoever plays in midfield for Scotland will need to keep a very close eye on Croatia captain Luka Modric.

The 35-year-old oozes class and has another season on his Real Madrid contract, which will take him to a decade of service at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Will Steve Clarke assign someone to follow his every move or will it be a case of trying to crowd out the man with 140 caps and 17 international goals?

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Luka Modric training in Glasgow yesterday

Armstrong gets your vote

Stuart Armstrong should be the only change to the team that drew with England, according to the majority of BBC Sport readers, who submitted a team.

BBC

Who steps into Billy's boots?

So, who will come into midfield in place of Billy Gilmour?

If we assume Steve Clarke sticks with the other ten who performed so well against England, then it could be that Stuart Armstrong is recalled, with John McGinn dropping deeper.

Or, Scott McTominay might move back into the middle of the park from defence, with Jack Hendry or Liam Cooper drafted in at the back.

Or, Clarke may have something else entirely tucked up his sleeve.

We'll find out soon enough when the team lines are revealed.

Tartan Army manoeuvres

Did everyone make it back safely from London? It was quite the invasion, with an estimated 20,000 fans travelling south.

Only 3,000 or so had tickets for Wembley but that didn't stop the rest from singing and dancing in the rain.

It's a glorious sunny day in Glasgow, so nobody try those pavement slides, okay?

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Scotland fans congregate in central London last Friday

Flying the flag for Scotland

'A chance to be a national hero'

Scotland manager Steve Clarke admitted the absence of Billy Gilmour was a blow to his plans but was typically pragmatic.

"Billy would have started now he won't, so it's a chance for someone else to come in and make themselves a national hero," he said at his media conference on Monday evening.

Do it for Billy the Kid

Of course, it wouldn't be Scotland if there wasn't some pre-match drama to contend with.

Yesterday's breaking news of Billy Gilmour's positive Covid-19 test was met with the kind of widespread anguish that belies the 20-year-old's callow international status.

The midfielder made his first start in Friday's gutsy 0-0 draw with England at Wembley and pretty much ran the show.

"It gives us just that bit more motivation to get the job done and do him proud," said defender Liam Cooper.

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Billy Gilmour was the man-of-the-match in Scotland's draw at Wembley

Win or bust for Scotland & Croatia

The objective is simple. The task is anything but...

Beat Croatia at Hampden Park and Scotland will progress to the last 16 of Euro 2020. Nothing else will do.

No ifs, no buts or maybes; any kind of win will take us into the knockout phase of a major finals for the first time.

Just to add to the occasion, Croatia also need three points to stay in the tournament. Expect no quarter given.

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Hampden Park is hosting its third group game of the Euros

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