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:
HT: Scotland 0-0 Portugal
No goals at Hampden Park, which will please Steve Clarke and Scotland. The hosts have probably had the best chance, too - Scott McTominay should perhaps have done better with an early header that he directed straight at Diogo Costa. Portugal controlled proceedings more and more as the half wore on but it remains level pegging, with both sides looking to lift their level after some half-time oranges.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 45 minutes
The referee does not even bother with any additional time.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 43 minutes
Vitinha also troubles the patrons beyond Craig Gordon’s, slicing a volley from the ‘D’ over the top.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 40 minutes
Not Cristiano Ronaldo’s best, that. The forward intelligently peels away to the edge of the box, allowing him an inviting angle from which to curl at goal. He’s leaning back as he strikes, though, and over the crossbar it inevitably sails.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 38 minutes
Scotland press for the first time in a while, drawing an error from Nuno Mendes. Kenny McLean’s diagonal pass is too tall for Ben Doak, though - but that’s the sort of intensity that Steve Clarke will want to see from his team.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 36 minutes
Strong defending from Andy Robertson, though he is powerless to prevent a fifth Portuguese corner. It’s played short and the visitors work the ball around the houses, leaving the big men waiting in the box for a cross that, in the end, never comes.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 34 minutes
Ronaldo makes better connection with a header, though can’t guide it between the burly Grant Hanley and John Souttar.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 32 minutes
Cristiano Ronaldo launches himself into the air for an overhead kick, which rather goes awry. It appears the striker may have been whistled for a free kick, too.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 30 minutes
The travelling fans lift the noise, beating on their drums and engaging in an Iceland-style Viking clap, which is a bit 2016. Still, you can understand the Portuguese supporters wishing to recall that golden summer.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments