GLASGOW, Scotland — They came to Hampden Park hoping for a night to remember, but in the end, Scotland’s success-starved supporters had to make do with a goal they will never forget.
In 10 previous appearances at a major finals, either the World Cup or European Championship, Scotland were unable to progress beyond the group stage.
Steve Clarke’s team, having ended Scotland’s 23-year wait to appear at a major tournament, faced Croatia knowing that a win on home turf would finally end their long wait.
His 62nd-minute goal, a majestic shot from 20 yards with the outside of his right foot, made it 2-1 to Croatia and left Scotland with the virtually impossible task of scoring twice in less than half an hour to win the game.
McGregor’s 42nd-minute goal for Scotland, which cancelled out Nikola Vlasic 17th-minute opener, gave the Scots hope of a second-half surge to victory.
Scotland, without Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour due to a positive COVID-19 test, were direct, unashamedly targeting strikers Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams with long balls.
But their inability to control possession was always going to be a problem against a team as wily and experienced as Croatia.
Yes, they are a side stacked with ageing players who are perhaps playing in their last major tournament, but the likes of Modric, Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic can hurt any side, and the defensive partnership of Dejan Lovren and Domagoj Vida is rugged and determined enough to fight tooth and nail against any opponent.
But Croatia’s quality will be no consolation to the Scots, who have seen the likes of Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and even minnows such as Iceland progress beyond the group stages of major tournaments, sometimes at the first attempt.
And at Euro 96, Scotland were 12 minutes from qualifying from their group, only for a 78th-minute goal by Patrick Kluivert in the Netherlands’ 4-1 defeat against England to enable the Dutch to deny the Scots on goal difference.
Against Croatia, the supporters made enough noise to drive Scotland to victory, but the game was decided on the pitch rather than in the stands.
If Scotland had Modric in their team, they would probably have made it through.