Croatia vs Scotland: UEFA Nations League – BBC Sport

As Adams rolled away in celebration, thinking he had contributed to the draw with the final whistle of the game, there was a feeling that Scotland were about to get what their performance deserved.

With more than ten players missing, including John McGinn, Aaron Hickey, Lewis Ferguson and Scott McKenna, and Adams not fit enough to start, Clarke's depleted group was largely disciplined and restricted Croatia to few good chances.

On the other hand, 18-year-old Doak particularly shone in his first start, driving the team forward on the right wing and helping in Christie's opener.

There were enough bright spots, as in the defeats against Poland and Portugal, but here too it ended in a narrow one-goal defeat.

The numbers are grim considering there has only been one win against Gibraltar in their last 15 games and they have now conceded 35 goals in that run.

However, that doesn't tell the whole story. It was always going to be difficult for Scotland to compete with the best in European international football, even if everyone was fit and available.

But with so many players injured and their form and style changing, the task has become even more difficult.

Clarke has ensured that Scotland still remains competitive, but the longer the poor performance continues, the more rumors of positive results will fall on deaf ears.