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, 27 minutes
A booking for Scott McTominay, sliding in slightly loosely on Bruno Fernandes. He takes the ball, but it was a trifle clumsy from the midfielder, re-acquainting himself with his former colleague.
It matters not, because Cristiano Ronaldo and Nuno Mendes make a total hash of the free kick.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 25 minutes
And this may be an opportunity for Ronaldo and his forward chums - Francisco Conceicao draws a free kick with some neat feet cutting in off the right.
Nuno Mendes and Bruno Fernandes stand over it...and Craig Gordon has to palm the former’s bending effort away!
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 23 minutes
This, incidentally, is Cristiano Ronaldo’s 200th start for Portugal, 21 years after making his first.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 20 minutes
Christie’s left peg is back in full working order as he lashes a half-volley at goal. The connection is healthy but the direction too straight, allowing Diogo Costa to pat down and collect.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 19 minutes
Ryan Christie writhes in pain after Diogo Jota jabs his studs into the top of the Scot’s foot. Jota is a touch perplexed when referee Lawrence Visser reaches to his pocket - not a lot in it, but he was second to the ball.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 15 minutes
Billy Gilmour and co. snuff out a corner routine, ending the danger for now.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 14 minutes
Anthony Ralston’s shins are employed to block Nuno Mendes’s cross as Scotland start to drop a little deeper under the first prolonged period of Portuguese pressure. Soon after, a retreating Ryan Christie has no option but to head behind at the far post.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 11 minutes
Scotland’s ambition in possession has been admirable so far, though they are conceding the ball relatively often in their own half. Francisco Conceicao stands one up to the far stick, and Anthony Ralston is forced to use his strength to squeeze out Diogo Jota.
Bruno Fernandes stands over the resultant corner kick, though the Belgian referee brings proceedings to a halt to deal with a couple of handsy markers. There’s nothing wrong with Craig Gordon’s glovework, though - a firm double fist away from danger.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 9 minutes
Zippy stuff, this. Scott McTominay and Ryan Christie work the ball beautifully to Anthony Ralston, whose low cross is diverted to goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
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