Scotland vs Portugal LIVE: Results and reaction after Scots snap ...
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 vs Portugal LIVE: Latest Nations League updatesScotland draw with Portugal in Nations League
Steve Clarke’s side now 10 matches without a win but avoid record fifth-straight defeat
FT: Scotland 0-0 Portugal
HT: Scotland 0-0 Portugal
KICK OFF!
Scotland earn a victory at last — they made Cristiano Ronaldo crack22:17 , Jamie Braidwood at Hampden Park
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
21:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
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 Portugal21:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle
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.
FULL TIME: Scotland 0-0 Portugal21:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
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Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 90 + 3 minutes21:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle
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 minutes21:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle
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 minutes21:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle
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 minutes21:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
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 minutes21:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle
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 minutes21:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle
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.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 84 minutes21:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A high hoist in the direction of Scott McTominay bobbles through to Diogo Costa.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 82 minutes21:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Fired wide! Cristiano Ronaldo shimmies into space in the box but scuttles his shot wide of goal with Craig Gordon beaten! Ruben Dias is booked for some rather forceful protestations for a corner.
Dykes replaces Che Adams up front for the hosts.
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Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 80 minutes21:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Into the final 10 minutes we helter in search of an opener. Those two sniffs of a chance will give Scotland hope, and it appears Lyndon Dykes may soon bolster their ranks.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 76 minutes21:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A delicious turn from Bernardo Silva takes him to the byline, but Billy Gilmour cuts out his cross.
Scotland break with speed as substitutes Lewis Morgan and Ryan Gauld combine brilliantly, but Anthony Ralston’s ball is out-of-reach even for the long-legged Scott McTominay.
Goalless we remain!
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 75 minutes21:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A mis-kick! A clever header from Che Adams tees up Scott McTominay but the Napoli midfielder fails to connect cleanly! Could Adams have gone for goal himself? Perhaps, but you’d have backed McTominay to batter the bouncing ball.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 73 minutes21:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The flapping arms of frustration are on show from Cristiano Ronaldo as a cross from the right bounces harmlessly behind.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 70 minutes21:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Portugal have had plenty of the ball in this game but Craig Gordon is yet to really have to make a save in earnest. Two shots on target apiece, so far.
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Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 67 minutes21:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Steve Clarke turns to his substitutes: Lewis Morgan for Ben Doak and Ryan Gauld, who spent eight years in Portuguese club football, for Ryan Christie.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 66 minutes21:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Some lovely one-touch football from Scotland sends Scott McTominay lolloping in behind. Corner kick, which Andy Robertson saunters over to take to a roar.
Up come the centre-halves, and Grant Hanley fouls goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 64 minutes21:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Scotland are furious as the referee waves away appeals for a foul on the sideline, with Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leao emerging with the ball. Leao’s final pass is poor, ensuring there is no further ire from the home players.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 61 minutes21:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A triple change from Roberto Martinez: off go Diogo Jota, Joao Palhinha and Francisco Conceicao; on come Rafael Leao, Ruben Neves and Bernardo Silva. Handy options.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 58 minutes21:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Bruno Fernandes strikes the outside of the post direct from a corner, an apparent attempt to beat Craig Gordon always ambitious but, in the end, not far away.
Some Portuguese bibs are coming off.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 57 minutes21:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Howls of frustration around Hampden as Ryan Christie is unable to access a two-man overload on the left after bright play from John Souttar and Scott McTominay.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 56 minutes21:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Nuno Mendes dances past Anthony Ralston but loses the run of the ball as he foxtrots beyond the right-back, meaning his eventual cut-back is played from out of play.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 54 minutes20:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle
How long will the managers wait to change things? Roberto Martinez, particularly, has plenty of options lurking on his bench.
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Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 52 minutes20:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Another big let-off for Scotland! Cristiano Ronaldo turns provider, drawing two to him and then slotting the ball back to Francisco Conceicao, but his effort is like a Samuel Marques conversion, sailing over the bar.
20:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ben Doak is cut down in full flow by Joao Palhinha, who accepts a booking with no fuss. A heavy tumble for Doak leaves him testing out the motion in his joints, but all is in order as Andy Robertson readies to take the free kick.
It’s a good’un, too, bending dangerously into the Portugal box, but Diogo Costa is confidently out to batter away, and there’s a foul by a Scot elsewhere, anyway.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 48 minutes20:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Guided over! Cristiano Ronaldo falls to the floor in disbelief, unable to comprehend how he has managed to steer a free header from 10 yards over the crossbar. It’s the sort of opportunity he would usually bury...
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 46 minutes20:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ryan Christie has had to do plenty of defensive work this season, so it won’t please him that a rare opportunity to get forward is squandered by an errant John Souttar pass.
Second half...20:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle
David Moyes is in the house, the former West Ham manager now a Uefa technical observer as he awaits his next job in front-line coaching. If Scotland’s miserable run continues...
HT: Scotland 0-0 Portugal20:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle
No goals at Hampden Park, which will please Steve Clarke and Scotland. The hosts have probably had the best chance, too - Scott McTominay should perhaps have done better with an early header that he directed straight at Diogo Costa. Portugal controlled proceedings more and more as the half wore on but it remains level pegging, with both sides looking to lift their level after some half-time oranges.
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HALF TIME: Scotland 0-0 Portugal20:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 45 minutes20:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The referee does not even bother with any additional time.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 43 minutes20:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Vitinha also troubles the patrons beyond Craig Gordon’s, slicing a volley from the ‘D’ over the top.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 40 minutes20:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Not Cristiano Ronaldo’s best, that. The forward intelligently peels away to the edge of the box, allowing him an inviting angle from which to curl at goal. He’s leaning back as he strikes, though, and over the crossbar it inevitably sails.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 38 minutes20:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Scotland press for the first time in a while, drawing an error from Nuno Mendes. Kenny McLean’s diagonal pass is too tall for Ben Doak, though - but that’s the sort of intensity that Steve Clarke will want to see from his team.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 36 minutes20:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Strong defending from Andy Robertson, though he is powerless to prevent a fifth Portuguese corner. It’s played short and the visitors work the ball around the houses, leaving the big men waiting in the box for a cross that, in the end, never comes.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 34 minutes20:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ronaldo makes better connection with a header, though can’t guide it between the burly Grant Hanley and John Souttar.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 32 minutes20:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Cristiano Ronaldo launches himself into the air for an overhead kick, which rather goes awry. It appears the striker may have been whistled for a free kick, too.
20:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The travelling fans lift the noise, beating on their drums and engaging in an Iceland-style Viking clap, which is a bit 2016. Still, you can understand the Portuguese supporters wishing to recall that golden summer.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 27 minutes20:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A booking for Scott McTominay, sliding in slightly loosely on Bruno Fernandes. He takes the ball, but it was a trifle clumsy from the midfielder, re-acquainting himself with his former colleague.
It matters not, because Cristiano Ronaldo and Nuno Mendes make a total hash of the free kick.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 25 minutes20:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And this may be an opportunity for Ronaldo and his forward chums - Francisco Conceicao draws a free kick with some neat feet cutting in off the right.
Nuno Mendes and Bruno Fernandes stand over it...and Craig Gordon has to palm the former’s bending effort away!
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 23 minutes20:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle
This, incidentally, is Cristiano Ronaldo’s 200th start for Portugal, 21 years after making his first.
(Action Images via Reuters)
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 20 minutes20:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Christie’s left peg is back in full working order as he lashes a half-volley at goal. The connection is healthy but the direction too straight, allowing Diogo Costa to pat down and collect.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 19 minutes20:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ryan Christie writhes in pain after Diogo Jota jabs his studs into the top of the Scot’s foot. Jota is a touch perplexed when referee Lawrence Visser reaches to his pocket - not a lot in it, but he was second to the ball.
20:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Billy Gilmour and co. snuff out a corner routine, ending the danger for now.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 14 minutes20:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Anthony Ralston’s shins are employed to block Nuno Mendes’s cross as Scotland start to drop a little deeper under the first prolonged period of Portuguese pressure. Soon after, a retreating Ryan Christie has no option but to head behind at the far post.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 11 minutes20:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Scotland’s ambition in possession has been admirable so far, though they are conceding the ball relatively often in their own half. Francisco Conceicao stands one up to the far stick, and Anthony Ralston is forced to use his strength to squeeze out Diogo Jota.
Bruno Fernandes stands over the resultant corner kick, though the Belgian referee brings proceedings to a halt to deal with a couple of handsy markers. There’s nothing wrong with Craig Gordon’s glovework, though - a firm double fist away from danger.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 9 minutes19:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Zippy stuff, this. Scott McTominay and Ryan Christie work the ball beautifully to Anthony Ralston, whose low cross is diverted to goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 8 minutes19:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A first shot from Cristiano Ronaldo is tame enough for Gordon to gather flopping to his left. It won’t be his last effort, you’d suggest.
Scotland 0-0 Portugal, 6 minutes19:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Also claiming in comfort is Craig Gordon, watching a ball float over Cristiano Ronaldo’s head and into his welcoming grasp.
19:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle
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 minutes19:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle
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 minute19:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A composed first minute in possession from Scotland - right up until Grant Hanley passes the ball out of play, that is.
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KICK OFF!19:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And we are up and running in the Nations League!
Scotland vs Portugal19:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The ground observes a minute’s applause in memory of former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, who passed away over the weekend.
Scotland vs Portugal19:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And “Flower of Scotland” is, as ever, spellbindingly delivered.
Scotland vs Portugal19:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle
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 League19:35 , Jamie Braidwood
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.
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(Action Images via Reuters)
Che Adams leads line for Scotland19:30 , Jamie Braidwood
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.
Che Adams’ celebrations were cut short by VAR (PA Wire)
Thomas Tuchel set to be appointed England manager19:25 , Jamie Braidwood
Some big news breaking tonight involving the England football team: Thomas Tuchel is set to be appointed as the new Three Lions manager.
The German will be unveiled on Wednesday as the permanent succcessor to Gareth Southgate, who stepped down from a role he had held for eight years after final defeat at Euro 2024.
The 51-year-old Tuchel has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season. The Football Association (FA) sounded out a number of candidates as they sought a high-profile appointment, including Pep Guardiola, and have landed upon an experienced coach with stints at some of Europe’s top clubs.
Tuchel led Chelsea to Champions League triumph in 2021 and has won league titles in France and Germany. This is his first international role, though he worked closely with England captain Harry Kane at Bayern last season after luring the former Tottenham striker to Munich.
He will replace Lee Carsley, who has taken charge of the side for four fixtures on an interim basis.
Thomas Tuchel set to be appointed England manager
Portugal sticking with ‘iconic’ and ‘unique’ Cristiano Ronaldo19:15 , Jamie Braidwood
Cristiano Ronaldo starts tonight for Portugal but continues to divide opinion on whether his national team would be better off without him. The 39-year-old great was criticised for his performances at the European Championship after Portugal crashed out in the group stages.
Roberto Martinez has stood by the forward, though, as Ronaldo starts at Hampden tonight. “Well, obviously there are two aspects. I manage the Cristiano Ronaldo that is trying to work hard to help the team to win tomorrow,” he said this week.
“When you arrive in a stadium, in a place like this, I think you get to know the iconic figure and the career of a player that is unique. There is not another player with more than 200 caps at international level as an example, the number of goals that he’s scored, the trophies that he’s achieved.
“So I think for me it’s very easy to manage a player that can help the team to win tomorrow. All the rest is something for all of us to enjoy because it’s a unique case and I think we can all learn from being close to him.”
(REUTERS)
Roberto Martinez impressed by Portugal’s progress after Euro 2024 disappointment19:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez hailed his squad’s improved depth, competitiveness, and preparation following Euro 2024 after they strolled past Poland on Saturday to maintain their perfect Nations League start.
Portugal dominated Poland as Bernardo Silva and Cristiano Ronaldo put the visitors 2-0 up at the break. Poland midfielder Piotr Zielinski pulled a goal back, but Jan Bednarek’s own goal made it 3-1 to the visitors.
Portugal exited the European Championship in a penalty shootout defeat to France in the quarter-finals, but Martinez said their focus was now firmly on building towards the World Cup in 2026.
“We have more players (now), the competitiveness for what we are working on is growing, we are an even better prepared team after the European Championship,” Martinez told RTP3.
“Our focus and total objective is the World Cup. I am happy, the attitude was incredible, the players’ personality was fantastic in a difficult stadium. For us it is a very important performance.
“We don’t want to concede goals, but the performance was very good. We’re seeing new debuts, new players, who are coming into the group in a natural way.”
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Portugal team news18:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Leading the line, meanwhile, for Portugal is Cristiano Ronaldo, with Roberto Martinez true to his word and unconcerned about starting the striker in back-to-back games even with a reasonably tight turnaround. There is some shuffling of the pieces around him - Diogo Jota, Vitinha, Joao Palhinha and Francisco Conceicao amid a raft of changes.
Scotland team news18:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
So just the one change from Steve Clarke as he sticks with a relatively settled side. Che Adams replaces Lyndon Dykes up top.
Scotland vs Portugal confirmed line-ups18:36 , Jamie Braidwood
Scotland XI: Gordon; Ralston, Souttar, Hanley, Robertson; Gilmour, McLean; Doak, McTominay, Christie; Adams
Portugal XI: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Silva, Mendes; Palhinha, Fernandes, Vitinha; Jota, Ronaldo, Conceicao
Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Scotland with Portugal18:35 , Jamie Braidwood
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play in Scotland for the first time since 2008, in his first appearance at Hampden Park. The 39-year-old faced Celtic in Glasgow twice with Manchester United (United did not win either game).
Ronaldo scored his 133rd international goal in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Poland and scored a late winner against Scotland in the return fixture last month.
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Scotland’s winless run in competitive games18:20 , Jamie Braidwood
12 October (A): 1-2 vs Croatia (Nations League)
8 September (A): 1-2 vs Portugal (Nations League)
5 September (H): 2-3 vs Poland (Nations League)
23 June: 0-1 vs Hungary (Euro 2024)
19 June: 1-1 vs Switzerland (Euro 2024)
14 June: 1-5 vs Germany (Euro 2024)
19 November (H): 3-3 vs Norway (Euro qualifying)
16 November (A): 2-2 vs Georgia (Euro qualifying)
12 October (A): 0-2 vs Spain (Euro qualifying)
Dejected fans of Scotland after their Euro 2024 exit (EPA)
Luckless Scotland suffer another late twist in Nations League18:04 , Jamie Braidwood
Last time out, Che Adams had a last-gasp goal ruled out as luckless Scotland suffered a 2-1 Nations League defeat to Croatia in Zagreb.
Ryan Christie shot the disciplined visitors ahead in the 33rd minute from a tight angle before striker Igor Matanovic levelled three minutes later.
Steve Clarke’s side came under increasing pressure after the break and eventually succumbed in the 70th minute of the League A Group 1 encounter at Stadion Maksimir when Andrej Kramaric headed the home side in front.
However, in a dramatic finale, Adams, who replaced Lyndon Dykes after the Scots fell behind, had the ball in the net in the fifth minute of added time, only for VAR to disallow the effort for offside, dealing another blow to the visitors.
“The disappointment is massive. You get that high at the end when you think you have a deserved draw and that is taken away by VAR,” Clarke said.
“The performance was really good. I thought we were brave with the ball. We tried to play, tried to create chances. On another night we would’ve got what we deserved.
“A full squad fit and healthy would be a help.”
Steve Clarke saw his Scotland side denied a last-gasp goal by VAR (PA). (PA Wire)
Roberto Martinez backs Steve Clarke despite Scotland’s winless run17:49 , Jamie Braidwood
A Portugal win would mean Scotland - with just one victory in their last 15 matches - have lost five in a row for the first time in their history, but Roberto Martinez has no doubt that Steve Clarke can turn things round in the longer term.
“Absolutely, I have no doubts,” he said. “It is a difficult press conference for me to show sympathy when tomorrow I want to win the game. But Steve Clarke is building something very special.
“He already achieved a very successful team, qualified for the European Championship, and now it feels that it is almost a new cycle. And the results will come if the performances stay at this level.”
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Cristiano Ronaldo will be involved against Scotland, says Roberto Martinez17:34 , Jamie Braidwood
Roberto Martinez has no worries about pitching 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo into his second away match in the space of 72 hours when Portugal face Scotland at Hampden on Tuesday.
The Al-Nassr forward scored his 133rd international goal in Saturday evening’s 3-1 Nations League win over Poland in Warsaw - a match in which he played just over an hour.
Despite Ronaldo being less than four months shy of his 40th birthday, Martinez is comfortable with unleashing him for what will be the first Hampden outing of his distinguished career.
“I think the age of a player doesn’t come into play,” said Portugal boss Martinez. “Ronaldo doesn’t work as a 39-year-old player. He doesn’t play certainly as a 39-year-old player. I think we are assessing every player and how they feel. Cristiano has been working really well in this camp.
“I have no doubt that Cristiano after 60 minutes (on Saturday) can be involved in the second game. I don’t know if he can start or if he can finish the game, but he can certainly be involved as he showed in the last camp (when starting the first game and then coming on in the second).”
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'It’s a tough moment but we believe in ourselves’17:19 , Jamie Braidwood
Speaking on Monday ahead of the clash against Cristiano Ronaldo and the Selecao, Clarke said Scotland’s players deserved more respect after reaching back-to-back major European Championships
“I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t believe in this group of players,” Clarke said.
“After 20 years in the international wilderness, this group of players have been to two major tournaments. They’ve got promotion to this top level of the Nations League, so I don’t understand why people would be doubting about this group of players.
“It’s a tough moment, there’s no doubt about it, but we believe in ourselves.
“They understand that we’re playing difficult opponents. They understand also that the squad could be stronger, everyone knows that. All these things are there to be seen.
“I don’t speak about it too much because I feel it’s disrespectful to the boys that are in the squad. We have to concentrate on who we have, who we have here. We have to go out against Portugal.
“We know we have to be very good at everything we do in the game. Hopefully we can get the result that might just change the whole mood about the place.”
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Scotland ‘believe’ amid threat of unwanted history in Portugal clash17:04 , Jamie Braidwood
Steve Clarke believes Scotland can avoid losing five games in a row for the first time in their history and end their winless run when they host Portugal at Hampden on Tuesday night.
A dire run has seen the Scots win just one of their last 15 matches, going nine in a row without victory and with four defeats on the spin since the poor displays at Euro 2024.
That spell includes three defeat in the Nations League, leaving Clarke’s side bottom of their group and facing the prospect of a swift relegation back to the second tier.
There have been extenuating circumstances to Scotland’s poor form, including a lengthy injury list and a tough series of games against high-class opposition in League A.
Despite that, Clarke’s side have been competitive in all three of their Nations League games against Poland, Portugal and Croatia - with only one goal to separate the sides in each.
Late misfortune has also been a theme, with late goals conceded against Poland and Portugal before Che Adams had a stoppage-time equaliser ruled out in the 2-1 defeat to Croatia in Zagreb.
16:55 , Jamie Braidwood
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has no new injury worries either after his side’s straightforward win over Poland, so all that remains to be seen is whether he will rotate.
Diogo Jota and Joao Felix could come in for Rafa Leao and Pedro Neto on the wings, while PSG’s Joao Neves could replace his namesake Ruben in midfield, as could Vitinha.
What is the Scotland team news?16:50 , Jamie Braidwood
Scotland are still missing plenty of their full squad, with around 12 senior players unavailable. James Forrest is the latest to drop out of the squad, replaced by young Rangers midfielder Connor Barron.
Ben Doak impressed in his first start but Clarke was careful to mention that managing his minutes is an important issue, so he may appear off the bench against the Selecao.
Injuries may force a similar starting eleven to the one that took the pitch against Croatia, though it remains to be seen whether Che Adams and Ryan Gauld did enough to play themselves into Clarke’s thoughts.
Certain places, such as those of Billy Gilmour, Scott McTominay and Andy Robertson, remain set in stone.
When is Scotland v Portugal?16:47 , Jamie Braidwood
The Nations League match takes place on Tuesday 15 October, with kick-off at 7.45pm BST at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland.
How to watchThe match is not being shown on TV but is available to stream on YouTube.
The rights to Scotland’s Nations League matches is currently held by ViaPlay, but the Norwegian broadcaster has stripped back its operations in the UK over the last year.
Scotland’s matches against Poland and Portugal in September were picked up by ITV, but no such deal was made ahead of the Croatia and Portugal games.
Therefore, Scotland vs Portugal will only be available to watch on the Viaplay International YouTube channel. The stream will go live at 7.30pm.
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Scotland vs Portugal16:46 , Jamie Braidwood
Scotland host Portugal at Hampden Park on Tuesday evening in their latest match in the Nations League, as Steve Clarke’s side look to bounce back from late heartbreak in Zagreb last time out.
A solid performance against Croatia was almost topped off with a last-gasp equaliser on Saturday, but it was ruled out as Che Adams had strayed offside.
That result leaves Scotland rock bottom of League A Group 1, with nothing to show from their first three matches despite encouraging performances in all of them.
And now Clarke’s injury-plagued side host Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal team, who are flying high at the top of their group after beating Poland 3-1 last time out.
Here is everything to know about the game.
Where to watch Scotland v Portugal after TV channel blackout
Good evening16:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Hello and welcome to tonight’s live coverage of Scotland vs Portugal in the Nations League.
Roberto Martinez hails Portugal’s progress after Euro 2024 disappointment18:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez hailed his squad’s improved depth, competitiveness, and preparation following Euro 2024 after they strolled past Poland on Saturday to maintain their perfect Nations League start.
Portugal dominated Poland as Bernardo Silva and Cristiano Ronaldo put the visitors 2-0 up at the break. Poland midfielder Piotr Zielinski pulled a goal back, but Jan Bednarek’s own goal made it 3-1 to the visitors.
Portugal exited the European Championship in a penalty shootout defeat to France in the quarter-finals, but Martinez said their focus was now firmly on building towards the World Cup in 2026.
“We have more players (now), the competitiveness for what we are working on is growing, we are an even better prepared team after the European Championship,” Martinez told RTP3.
“Our focus and total objective is the World Cup. I am happy, the attitude was incredible, the players’ personality was fantastic in a difficult stadium. For us it is a very important performance.
“We don’t want to concede goals, but the performance was very good. We’re seeing new debuts, new players, who are coming into the group in a natural way.”
(Getty Images)
