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, 6 minutes
Also claiming in comfort is Craig Gordon, watching a ball float over Cristiano Ronaldo’s head and into his welcoming grasp.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 4 minutes
What a chance! And it falls to exactly who Scotland would want it to! Ben Doak finds Andy Robertson, who curves in a lovely cross that is met firmly by Scott McTominay. But his header skews straight at Diogo Costa, who makes a relatively comfortable save.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 2 minutes
Portugal play themselves into danger, Nuno Mendes with a woeful pass in his own half that nearly gives Scotland a real glimpse of goal. The left-back recovers well to put in a vital challenge.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 1 minute
A composed first minute in possession from Scotland - right up until Grant Hanley passes the ball out of play, that is.
Scotland vs Portugal
The ground observes a minute’s applause in memory of former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, who passed away over the weekend.
Scotland vs Portugal
And “Flower of Scotland” is, as ever, spellbindingly delivered.
Scotland vs Portugal
Out come the players at Hampden Park, the Portuguese players singing proudly on a dry, relatively mild Glasgow evening.
Battle of the veterans in Nations League
We’re set for a generational clash tonight as Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordan, 41, faces Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, at Hampden.
Gordon had seemingly retired from international football six months ago when he was left out of Scotand’s Euros squad.
But he was recalled after an injury to Norwich’s Angus Gunn and is back between the sticks at Hampden after a solid display against Croatia.
Che Adams leads line for Scotland
Che Adams leads the line for Scotland tonight. He has scored just once for Scotland in the last two years, in what was their only win in the last 15 games: against Gibraltar in June.
The former Southampton striker has scored four goals for Torino this season, however, and had his stoppage-time equaliser ruled out for offside in Zagreb on Saturday night.
Cruel.
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