It wasn’t a win, but it was a welcome relief for Scotland. Steve Clarke’s side ground out a 0-0 draw against Portugal at Hampden Park to secure their first Nations League point, snapping a nine-match streak without a win in competitive fixtures. For the Tartan Army, it was a gritty, determined performance that kept Cristiano Ronaldo and company at bay.
The stage was set for a showdown with Portugal’s star-studded squad, headlined by Ronaldo’s return to Hampden Park. However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner failed to deliver the moment of magic many anticipated, as Scotland stood firm defensively. Ronaldo’s night was marked more by frustration than brilliance, particularly when he narrowly missed an audacious bicycle kick that sent the crowd into a mix of anticipation and relief.
Scotland started brightly, with Scott McTominay getting on the end of an Andy Robertson cross early in the match, but his header was comfortably saved by Portugal’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Ryan Christie also had a chance to give the Scots a dream start, but his effort lacked the precision needed to trouble Costa.
On the other end, Craig Gordon proved why he remains Scotland’s most reliable man between the sticks. Bruno Fernandes was twice denied by the veteran keeper, whose reflexes kept Scotland in the game during crucial moments. As Portugal pressed for a winner, Rafael Leao came closest to breaking the deadlock in stoppage time, only to see his powerful shot blocked by Nicky Devlin, the unlikely hero for the hosts.
The match wasn’t without its drama. Ronaldo, visibly frustrated by his quiet performance and Scotland’s stubborn defense, stormed down the tunnel at full-time, a reflection of Portugal’s inability to find a way through. For the Scots, who had endured three straight defeats in the group, the result felt like a small victory in itself.
While the draw leaves Scotland winless in their Nations League campaign, it marks a step in the right direction for Clarke’s side. Their resilience and ability to fend off one of the world’s best teams will give them some much-needed confidence as they aim to build on this point and end their winless streak.
The Tartan Army may have been hoping for more, but on this night, holding Portugal to a goalless draw felt like a moral victory. Scotland’s next challenge will be to find the cutting edge in attack that has eluded them, but for now, they can take pride in their defensive solidity and a well-earned point.
My Goat Sports 