Scotland shut down Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal to get their First Nations league point on the board – and avoid a record fifth straight defeat.
There was to be no late heartbreak this time as the Tartan Army rose to applaud a diligent defensive performance against the eighth best side in the world. Roberto Martinez’s side bossed possession but Scotland could have nicked the win.
Scott McTominay and Ryan Christie both went close to opening the scoring while Ronaldo and Nuno Mendes tested Craig Gordon in a goalless first half. After the break Che Adams headed back across goal when he should have gone between the posts while Tony Ralston wasted a superb chance to create for McTominay when he burst clear on the right but his low cross was way too far in front of the midfielder. But it was Gordon who literally saved the point for Scotland with a superb stop to deny Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandez from close range with just two minutes left on the clock. Here’s 5 talking points.
FORGET 5 IN A WOE
Scotland were staring at an unwanted record of five defeats on the bounce. But they dug in and produced a huge defensive performance when needed to stop the eighth best side in the world. It might now be 16 games with just win but this clean sheet – a first in 16 games outwith the Gibraltar friendly – was every bit as rewarding psychologically as a three pointer. Grant Hanley and John Souttar marshalled the defence brilliantly while Craig Gordon was on form behind them when required. Every player worked his socks off. The only complaint might be that the big chances went begging at the other end.
CR7 flops in G44
From Paisley superstar to panto villain. The kids turned out in a desperate bid to see Ronaldo play at St Mirren Park on Monday. A few miles down the road the Portuguese legend looked like he was in the playground as he showboated, waved his arms and wasted opportunity upon opportunity.
The cheers he got in Paisley 24 hours earlier were replaced by boos every time he touched the ball – or threw a wobbly. There’s been question marks hanging over the 39-year-old since his poor showing at the Euros. He’s scored in every Nations League game leading up to this one. But he had a night to forget on his first taste of Hampden.
OK DOAKY
Ben Doak became the first 18-year-old in 40 years – since Paul McStay – to start two consecutive games for Scotland. There’s rightly a buzz about the Liverpool youngster among the Tartan Army given his searing pace, skill and outright gallus streak. He showed it in bursts – none more so than when Joao Palhinha was booked for hauling him down in the second half. But much of his game was spent with back to goal and helping defensively. Another steep learning curve against one of the top sides in the world. But Doak did okay. A performance that shows why we need to be patient.
ROBBO GOES FOURTH
Skipper went clear in fourth in the all-time caps list, passing Alex McLeish, with his 78th appearance – two short of Darren Fletcher in third. Steve Clarke claimed the Liverpool ace doesn’t always get the credit he deserves in a Scotland shirt but he absolutely worked his socks off defensively up against Juventus flying machine Francisco Conceicao to help secure the draw. Not a night he will remember too fondly in attacking sense. Roberston always seems hamstrung without Kieran Tierney dovetailing on the left. But defensively this was every bit a captain’s performance.
RANKINGS WOE
The biggest downer of the night was Poland securing a point against Croatia to move onto four in third in the group. Worryingly finishing bottom of the pile will have a big effect on Scotland’s World Cup qualifying hopes before qualification has even started. Finishing fourth in the group would see the Scots likely drop into pot three for the qualifying draw later this year. Third might just save our pot two status. And, of course, we won’t have the safety net of a Nations League secured play-off. Making the leap into the top tier of this competition was great at the time. But it could prove hugely costly at this rate.