After the win in Macedonia there is a belief that manager Gordon Strachan has turned the corner with this team and goals by Robert Snodgrass and Steven Naismith helped to prove the point.
With Croatia playing a high game and not allowing Scotland any time on the ball the home team were becoming a little frustrated in the first half.
On the run: Robert Snodgrass (left) celebrates his goal with team-mate Barry Bannan
But the mood changed in the 28th minute when Scotland took the lead. A good ball by Naismith to the wing found full back Charlie Mulgrew and his cross to the far post was judged perfectly by Snodgrass who outjumped Dejan Lovren to plant his header just inside the post. It capped a great few days for Snodgrass after his wife gave birth to a daughter and it was his second goal against Croatia in the qualifying campaign.
Three minutes later the Norwich City midfielder had another great effort after a through ball from Scott Brown but his left-footed shot brough a fingertip save from Stipe Pletikosa who touched the shot onto the post.
Croatia began to respond to the midfield promptings of Luka Modric and five minutes before half time Mario Mandzukic looked to be well set to equalise from a Darijo Srna cross but he shot into the turf and the ball flew well high and wide.
Croatia, who are set for the play-offs, increased the tempo in the second half but Scotland gained breathing space when they scored a second in the 73rd minute.
After Ikechi Anya had been fouled in the penalty area Barry Bannan’s penalty kick was saved but Naismith followed up to crack the ball in.
Opener: Snodgrass rises high to score in the 28th minute with a header
Hugs all round: Snodgrass celebrates scoring with his Scotland team mates
More to follow.
Clinched: Scotland's Steven Naismith scores off a rebound from a penalty
Get in: Naismith roars with delight after scoring Scotland's second goal
Tumble: Scotland's Ikechi Anya (left) goes down in the box after a challenge from Domagoj Vida and wins a penalty
Respect: Scotland manager Gordon Strachan (right) shakes hands with Croatia star Luka Modric at full time
Atmosphere: Croatia fans set off flares in the away section at Hampden
Incoming: A flare is thrown onto the pitch by the Croatia fans
Milestone: Scotland manager Gordon Strachan (left) presents Naismith with his 50th cap medal
Quiet: Both teams line up ahead of the match played at a half-empty Hampden Park
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