Scotland’s Challenges Ahead of Their Nations League Clash with Croatia
As Scotland prepares to face Croatia in the Nations League, the atmosphere surrounding the national team is one of cautious optimism tinged with realism. The Tartan Army has struggled recently, with only one victory in their past 14 international matches. This upcoming match at Stadion Maksimir in Zagreb, scheduled for October 12, is crucial not just for points but also for rebuilding confidence in a squad plagued by injuries and inconsistent performances.
Assessing the Current Form and Key Concerns
The current state of the Scottish national team raises several concerns. With over ten players sidelined due to injury, the squad is severely depleted. Scotland’s assistant coach, John Carver, has acknowledged that the team “might have to suffer” in the short term. This statement reflects the harsh reality facing the side as they enter a challenging stretch of matches.
Since qualifying for Euro 2024, Scotland has struggled to find the back of the net. They have scored only 16 goals in their last 14 games, despite an expected goals (xG) rating suggesting they should have netted at least three more. The inability to convert opportunities into goals has been a persistent theme, as evidenced by an average of fewer than three shots on target per match.
Can Fresh Faces Bring Positivity?
In the wake of injuries, the question arises: can younger, less experienced players inject new life into the squad? While coach Steve Clarke has avoided calling up many under-21 players to allow them to focus on their own European qualifiers, he has also included a few fresh faces. Notable among them is Ben Doak, an 18-year-old winger who has shown promise with his pace and dribbling skills. His recent performances for Middlesbrough have generated excitement among fans, who hope he can provide the spark Scotland desperately needs.
Another player to watch is Ryan Gauld, who has returned from injury and made an impact off the bench in recent matches. His creativity in midfield could be pivotal if he continues to build on his comeback. Additionally, 24-year-old Andy Irving, who has had a unique journey from being released by Heart of Midlothian to playing in the Premier League, offers a fresh perspective and energy to the squad.
Exploring a New Tactical Approach
Clarke’s decision to shift from a 3-4-2-1 formation to a 4-2-3-1 against Poland and Portugal suggests a strategic pivot aimed at increasing creativity. This change is essential, given the team’s struggles to score. However, while the formation change led to a few goals, it remains to be seen if it can consistently generate quality chances against top-tier opposition.
Scott McTominay’s impressive form, with ten goals in his last 17 caps, offers a glimmer of hope. Still, he cannot shoulder the scoring burden alone; the team needs other players to step up and contribute to the attack. As Scotland faces elite teams like Croatia, maintaining a solid defensive structure while trying to be more offensive will be a delicate balancing act for Clarke.
Re-establishing Defensive Solidity
Another pressing concern for Scotland is their defensive frailty. The team has conceded 33 goals in their last 14 games, averaging more than two goals per match. In their recent encounter with Portugal, Scotland allowed 17 shots in the first half alone, underlining the need for a more cohesive defensive strategy.
The xG against for Scotland stands at 24, indicating that they have been more vulnerable than their defensive capabilities suggest. With notable attackers from countries like Germany, England, and France exploiting gaps in the defense, it is crucial for Clarke to instill a sense of discipline and organization in his backline.
The Road Ahead
As Scotland heads into a crucial period of their Nations League campaign, the match against Croatia represents more than just a chance to earn points; it is an opportunity to restore faith among supporters. The ability of newer squad members to rise to the occasion, combined with a tactical shift and a focus on defensive solidity, will determine the team’s fate in these challenging fixtures.
With the World Cup qualifying campaign looming, the outcomes of the next few matches could significantly impact Scotland’s preparations and morale. The Tartan Army will be hoping for signs of resilience and improvement as they navigate through this demanding phase.