Scotland boss George Burley was encouraged by the performance in his first match as Croatia were held to a draw at Hampden.
Burley's side was depleted by injury withdrawals but they fought back well from conceding an early goal, with Kenny Miller's strike levelling things before half-time.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw, Burley said: ''It wasn't the best start in the world, conceding the goal, but we worked hard and got back into it.
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''It was very competitive, so overall the players couldn't have put more effort into it.''
The likes of regular captain Barry Ferguson were absent due to knocks, and Burley's team for his first competitive games is likely to be significantly stronger.
''I think there's still work to be done,'' said Burley.
''At times early on our wide players were pushed too far back, when we wanted them to help the striker more, but overall, against an excellent side, it was a good performance.''
Striker Steven Fletcher, making his senior Scotland debut on his 21st birthday, lasted until half-time.
An injury meant he failed to reappear for the second 45 minutes, but by then he had created Scotland's goal with a long pass to Miller.
''You can see the boy's got quality,'' said Burley. ''It was a great experience for him tonight against one of the best teams in Europe.
''I'd have liked to have kept him on for a bit longer. Hopefully the injury is not too bad.''
Wales boss John Toshack hailed the scoring contribution of Freddy Eastwood in his team's 2-0 victory over Luxembourg last night.
Eastwood has not started a game for Wolves since Christmas, and recently intimated that he may have to leave the Midlanders if he does not get more action.
But for Wales, Toshack was able to oblige even though the striker looked short of match fitness.
But he scored both goals and has now hit four in seven internationals.
Toshack said; ''I was pleased with the result and pleased with Eastwood."
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