Darijo Srna was Croatia's main instigator in the first half, bombing up and down the right flank. The Shakhtar Donetsk captain's crosses looked like the hosts's best bet for a goal during a dour first period, but Mario Mandzukic repeatedly struggled to meet his team-mate's deliveries in the box.
They soon paid for their casual start as Scotland stunned the Stadion Maksimir and took an unlikely lead.