Scotland vs Portugal LIVE: Results and reaction after Scots snap losing run with battling draw
Scotland 0-0 Portugal: The Scots lifted the gloom with a strong defensive performance to frustrate Cristiano Ronaldo and co.
Scotland ensured they avoided the ignominy of a fifth defeat in a row as a battling draw was secured against Portugal in the Nations League.
Steve Clarke’s side are enduring a “tough” winless run that has now extended to ten games, but there was reason for optimism here in a gutsy defensive performance that frustrated Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of array of visiting forwards. Ronaldo squandered a couple of sightings at goal, heading over in the second half having been left alone in the Scotland box, while Craig Gordon also denied Bruno Fernandes with a fine save.
The Scots have been hit by an injury crisis, as well as a run of late misfortune, but there was no twist at Hampden Park. They arguably had the game’s best chance in the opening ten minutes as Scott McTominay arrived in trademark fashion into the area, but the Napoli midfielder headed straight at Diogo Costa. A draw nonetheless leaves Scotland facing the prospect of relegation from the top tier of the Nations League.
Re-live all the action from Scotland vs Portugal in the Nations League below:
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 84 minutes
A high hoist in the direction of Scott McTominay bobbles through to Diogo Costa.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 82 minutes
Fired wide! Cristiano Ronaldo shimmies into space in the box but scuttles his shot wide of goal with Craig Gordon beaten! Ruben Dias is booked for some rather forceful protestations for a corner.
Dykes replaces Che Adams up front for the hosts.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 80 minutes
Into the final 10 minutes we helter in search of an opener. Those two sniffs of a chance will give Scotland hope, and it appears Lyndon Dykes may soon bolster their ranks.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 76 minutes
A delicious turn from Bernardo Silva takes him to the byline, but Billy Gilmour cuts out his cross.
Scotland break with speed as substitutes Lewis Morgan and Ryan Gauld combine brilliantly, but Anthony Ralston’s ball is out-of-reach even for the long-legged Scott McTominay.
Goalless we remain!
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 75 minutes
A mis-kick! A clever header from Che Adams tees up Scott McTominay but the Napoli midfielder fails to connect cleanly! Could Adams have gone for goal himself? Perhaps, but you’d have backed McTominay to batter the bouncing ball.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 73 minutes
The flapping arms of frustration are on show from Cristiano Ronaldo as a cross from the right bounces harmlessly behind.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 70 minutes
Portugal have had plenty of the ball in this game but Craig Gordon is yet to really have to make a save in earnest. Two shots on target apiece, so far.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 67 minutes
Steve Clarke turns to his substitutes: Lewis Morgan for Ben Doak and Ryan Gauld, who spent eight years in Portuguese club football, for Ryan Christie.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 66 minutes
Some lovely one-touch football from Scotland sends Scott McTominay lolloping in behind. Corner kick, which Andy Robertson saunters over to take to a roar.
Up come the centre-halves, and Grant Hanley fouls goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
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