Scotland – Portugal 0-0: Steve Clarke's team gets their first point in the Nations League | Football News

Cristiano Ronaldo failed to shine as Scotland avoided another late defeat against Portugal and secured their first point in the Nations League with a 0-0 draw.

Steve Clarke's side went into the game winless in their last eight competitive games and were desperate to avoid Ronaldo inflicting another late defeat on them.

Scott McTominay and Ryan Christie missed early chances for the Scots, Craig Gordon parried Bruno Fernandes before Ronaldo sent an audacious rebound past the post.

Scotland wasted their chances after the break and Gordon made another strong save from Fernandes before Nicky Devlin was the hero in stoppage time, stopping Rafael Leao's powerful shot.

Ronaldo stormed through the Hampden Tunnel at full time to prevent Scotland from a fourth straight defeat in Group A1.

Scotland's losing streak ends

There was great excitement at Ronaldo's first Hampden appearance, but the Tartan Army greeted his first touch with boos.

Scotland started brightly when McTominay turned in Andy Robertson's cross after just five minutes, but his tentative header was easily saved by Diogo Costa.

Ronaldo then forced Gordon into a save before the hosts went on the attack again. Anthony Ralston tried to hit Che Adams, but the ball deflected into Costa's hands.

Portugal appeared to be slowly taking control of the game when Gordon saved Fernandes' corner and Christie then cleared the ball from Francisco Conceicao before Diogo Jota could take advantage.

But there were still chances for Scotland as Christie caught the ball with a half-volley only for Costa to fail.

Gordon, back in the starting line-up at 41, showed no sign of his age as he reacted quickly to save Fernandes' free-kick.

Ronaldo then tried to score with an overhead kick, but it flew just past the post, whereupon the referee deemed the 39-year-old's attempt dangerous play.

The Al Nassr striker then sent a curling shot well over the bar, preventing Portugal from asserting their dominance.

Ben Doak went on the attack after the break but was brought down by Joao Palhinha before Ronaldo sent a ball to Conceicao, who fired it over the bar to the relief of the home fans.

Ronaldo had the ball in the net, but the ball went out in front of his hindquarters, after which Fernandes hit the post from a corner.

Another brilliant chance for Scotland then came to an end when Adams opted to head back across goal rather than towards goal. It fell to McTominay, but his volley went completely wide, allowing Portugal to clear.

Moments later the Hampden crowd was on its feet as Ralston broke free of the Portuguese defensive line and McTominay ran into the penalty area, but he sent his pass past the Napoli man, who groaned from the stands.

With time running out, Gordon Fernandes made a great save from close range.

Devlin, an unused substitute on his debut, then made a brilliant block to deny Leao, ensuring they did not fall into the unwanted saga of becoming the first Scottish side to lose five games in a row.

Clarke: Everyone contributed

Scotland manager Steve Clarke: “It's not about turning things around, it's just about working hard and not letting the country down. This point was important for us after the work the group has done to get on the mark.”

“Defensively solid. The team's form was good. We were denied a lot of space at the back. Good concentration in the penalty area, determined defending at times, some really good blocks which you need against teams like Portugal. Everyone contributed to earning the spot.” Period.

“Everyone talks about confidence all the time, but they know they can play well. Maybe we didn't play with the ball as well as we could, which could be due to fatigue. But I don’t think they lack confidence.”

“A step in the right direction”

Former Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall on Sky Sports: “It was an evening where Scotland could be praised for their defensive work as a team. The number of blocks and the way they defended their penalty area was exceptional.”

“Everyone worked so hard. They would have been disappointed in terms of chance creation and amount of possession, and Portugal certainly dominated the game and probably deserved to win it overall. But I think you have to give Scotland a lot of credit and their defensive structure and how hard the players worked because that was a really tough opponent.

“I think anyone who saw that or was at the game would see a group of players who worked hard for each other and defended with their lives when necessary.”

“They can definitely improve in terms of possession in the future and if we can get some big players back from injury I have no doubt the team will improve and get the wins. But that was a good point against a really top opponent.” It’s a step in the right direction.

What's next?

Scotland host Croatia at Hampden Park on Friday November 15 as the Nations League season continues.