Scotland have their first point of their 2024-25 Nations League campaign, having held Portugal to a 0-0 draw at Hampden Park.
2024/2025 UEFA Nations League
0-0
Match Report
The match itself was not a great spectacle with limited chances either way, as Cristiano Ronaldo's 200th start for Portugal ultimately ending in disappointment.
It was a performance of grit over style for Steve Clarke's side, though, who managed just three shots during the match.
Portugal came closest to finding the net, with Craig Gordon getting down expertly to stop Bruno Fernandes slotting home from a Rafael Leao cutback in the 87th minute.
The draw leaves Scotland bottom of Nations League Group A1, although their first point means the gap to third-placed Poland stays at three points ahead of the two meeting in the November international break.
Portugal, meanwhile, are top of the standings on 10 points and know a point from their remaining two games will seal their progression to the quarter-finals, after maintaining their three-point buffer to second-placed Croatia following their 3-3 draw with Poland.
FULL TIME: Scotland 0-0 Portugal.
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) October 15, 2024
A resilient performance from every Scotland player on the park earns us a point at Hampden Park this evening.#SCOPOR pic.twitter.com/mJ2uH9fNjx
Data Debrief: Scotland ruin Ronaldo's landmark appearance
After scoring in each of Roberto Martinez’s first 12 competitive matches in charge of Portugal, the Selecao have since drawn a blank in four of their last seven matches under the Spaniard.
Portugal attempted 715 passes tonight - their highest number in this Nations League campaign, with their 14 attempts the lowest they have managed in the competition this term, ending the contest with an expected goals (xG) total of 1.52.
Scotland, meanwhile, are now winless in their last 10 competitive matches (D4 L6), their longest-ever run without a competitive victory, though they managed to keep a clean sheet against a team above them in the FIFA rankings for the first time since a 2-0 win over Spain in 2023.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
4' Scott McTominay all alone eight yards out but heads straight at the goalkeeper!
8' Ronaldo's first shot from the left of the box is easily saved by Craig Gordon!
20' The ball falls to Ryan Christie but his shot goes straight at the keeper!
25' Craig Gordon must react quickly as Nuno Mendes delivers a curling free-kick!
31' Another ironic cheer as Ronaldo's bicycle kick goes wide!
38' Another Portuguese strike loops up into the arms of Craig Gordon!
41' Ronaldo scoops a first-time effort high over the target!
48' Ronaldo has an open goal but headers over from near the penalty spot!
51' Doak's poor pass lets Portugal counter, but Conceição's shot misses the target!
61' Triple change for Portugal! Ruben Neves, Bernardo Silva & Rafael Leão incoming!
Line-ups
Scotland XI: Craig Gordon, McLean, Hanley, Robertson, John Souttar, Ryan Christie, Adams, Anthony Ralston, McTominay, Gilmour, Ben Doak
Subs: Nicky Devlin, Ryan Gauld, Liam Lindsay, Robby McCrorie, Lewis Morgan, Kevin Nisbet, Lyndon Dykes, Ryan Porteous, Andy Irving, Jon McCracken, Jack MacKenzie, Connor Barron
Portugal XI: Ronaldo, Cancelo, Bruno Fernandes, João Palhinha, Ruben Dias, Jota, Diogo Costa, Vitinha, Francisco Conceição, Nuno Mendes, António Silva
Subs: Otávio, Rui Silva, Semedo, Neves, Bernardo, Dalot, Trincão, Ricardo Velho, Felix, Leao, João Neves, Renato Veiga