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 earn a victory at last — they made Cristiano Ronaldo crack
Scotland remain without a win but the losing run is over and there was the sight of another victory against Portugal, as Cristiano Ronaldo applauded sarcastically as he stormed down the tunnel at the end of this goalless draw at Hampden. Ronaldo’s frustration at being denied by a goalkeeper older than him, in the 41-year-old Craig Gordon, spilled over when Portugal were denied the chance to take an injury-time corner, with referee Lawrence Visser blowing his whistle as Bernando Silva and Bruno Fernandes jogged to the byline. As Ronaldo had been in Visser’s ear all night, the Belgian had presumably endured enough and wanted it over.
Scotland earn a victory at last — they made Cristiano Ronaldo crack
Scotland 0-0 Portugal: The star forward threw a tantrum at full time as Steve Clarke’s side ended their losing run with a goalless draw
FT: Scotland 0-0 Portugal
That’s Scotland’s first point in the top tier of the Nations League. Hard-earned it may have been, but that was a performance of real steel from Steve Clarke’s men.
In the group’s other game, Poland fought back from 3-1 down to snatch a draw against Croatia, who had Dominik Livakovic dismissed. It leaves three points separating each side from the next in the group: Portugal, Croatia, Poland, Scotland.
FT: Scotland 0-0 Portugal
A furious Cristiano Ronaldo stomps away, angry Portugal were not granted a final corner to try to break the deadlock. It was unlikely to have mattered, such was the manner with which Scotland defender their goal this evening - resolute stuff from Craig Gordon and his defence.
Scotland had a couple of great chances to nick it, but a battling draw does at least provide some reason for optimism after a difficult period for Steve Clarke.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 90 + 3 minutes
And a foul in the Scotland box will allow the hosts to tick more time away as they near a gutsy draw.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 90 + 2 minutes
A super block from the debutant! Rafael Leao is left alone at the far post but Nicky Devlin dives desperately in front of his volley, ensuring the Scottish goal is not breached.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 90 minutes
Devlin watches a floated ball behind with Rafael Leao not in close enough attention to cause undue stress.
Four additional minutes to be played.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 89 minutes
The final two Portuguese changes are Nelson Semedo and Joao Felix, replacing Joao Cancelo and Vitinha respectively.
And here is a proud moment for Nicky Devlin, making his Scotland debut off the bench at right-back. A remarkable journey for the Aberdeen defender, who was released by Stenhousemuir a decade ago.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 87 minutes
What a stop from Craig Gordon! Rafael Leao leaves Anthony Ralston on the deck and cuts back to Bruno Fernandes, who strikes strongly with his side foot. Gordon manages to block with his body and has the presence of mind to smother the ball, denying Cristiano Ronaldo a tap-in.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 86 minutes
Vitinha’s stepovers work room for a fierce shot, but a blocking John Souttar is equal to it.
Bernardo Silva’s flick deflects behind for a corner, which the midfielder rushes to take quickly. He finds former Manchester City colleague Joao Cancelo, who bends the ball beyond his assembled teammates in the box, forcing Portugal to reload.
