Scotland bowed out of Euro 2020 at the group stage but manager Steve Clarke and his players vowed to build on their progress after reaching a first major tournament for 23 years.
The men’s national side, playing in their first showpiece event since the 1998 France World Cup, needed a victory in their final Group D fixture to reach the last 16 but fell to a 3-1 defeat to Croatia at Hampden Park.
Callum McGregor scored a superb first international goal to cancel out Nikola Vlasic’s opener but a stunner from Luka Modric, followed by an Ivan Perisic header, saw Croatia qualify and Scotland finish bottom.
Scotland’s Andrew Robertson praised the home support
The Scots, who had not lost to Croatia in their previous five meetings, were hoping to make more history by qualifying for a knockout stage for the first time, but boss Steve Clarke insisted they would be back on the big stage much sooner next time.
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Scotland boss Steve Clarke says his side have a lot to be proud of despite their elimination from Euro 2020 at the group stage
“It’s disappointment at the moment but we’ll take stock, we’ll see what we can do better – and we’ll make sure it’s not 23 years until we go to the next tournament,” he said at his post-match press conference.
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“We had a little spell just before we got the goal and just after, where we looked like we might get something out of the game; we had some moments where we managed to play through them but overall, Croatia were the better team.
“We tried as hard as we could. We kept going. We’re disappointed the way the tournament’s ended but we’ve got a lot to be happy about, the way we got there after 23 years, the way we approached the tournament.
“We tried to compete. Unfortunately, we were not quite good enough but we’ll learn from it – head coach included.”
Scotland player verdict: ‘It’s just the start’
Callum McGregor celebrates after scoring an equaliser
Scotland’s players expressed their own disappointment at an early exit but insisted there was plenty to build on for a young squad.
Captain Andy Robertson said: “It’s massively disappointing – Croatia showed why they’ve got to a World Cup final. Second half, they showed their experience and Modric ran the game.
“But I’m so proud to be captain of this country and these players. I know we’ve fallen short but the love we’ve felt from the nation has been special. The squad has a lot of potential and it’s important we build on this.”
Croatia’s Luka Modric was the man of the match
Aston Villa’s John McGinn described himself as “devastated” but told ITV: “We have to use this experience to drive us on.
“You look around the dressing room, there’s a good age group. We feel as if we didn’t do ourselves justice but we created history by getting here and we want this to be the start.
“We need to be braver and better but we’ve got the talent.
“We feel the passion from the nation and come the autumn, we can be together with all the fans going for the World Cup. It’s an experience I’ll never forget – hopefully one of many.”
Callum McGregor echoed McGinn’s sentiments, saying: “The lads are shattered. They put so much energy into it. The fans were amazing. They just had too much quality in the end. It’s a tough lesson.
“It’s been an amazing experience. Every single one of us has learned so much. It makes us so hungry for the World Cup now.”
Pundit analysis: Croatia controlled midfield – but Scotland can build on this
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Kris Boyd says Scotland were not able to deal with Croatia’s quality, as Steve Clarke’s side bow out of the tournament following the 3-1 defeat
Kris Boyd on Sky Sports News:
“We were beaten by the better team. For all that Scotland went to Wembley and frustrated England, we couldn’t get a foothold of the game. We started well but Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic had control for long periods of the game and if you allow quality players time and space, they’re going to hurt you.
“We didn’t get in their faces enough but if there’s a goal you want to go out to – before they scored the third – Modric’s goal was unbelievable, the way he bent it with the outside of his foot. Every bit of that quality was on show – he was fantastic.
“Scotland have to take the positives – qualifying was a big step. I hope with the bunch of boys, the young crop, it’s not too long before we’re back at a major competition because the Tartan Army makes some atmosphere and these players deserve a lot of credit. They have galvanised the country and we have to build on that now.
“Gilmour, Turnbull, Patterson, McTominay… it will do them no harm getting a taste for a major competition. It wasn’t to be but I think this could be the start of something; there’s no reason it can’t be.”
