Portugal's perfect start in the UEFA Nations League came to an end after a 0-0 draw in Scotland.
Scott McTominay headed at Diogo Costa in the 4th minute but quality chances were hard to come by in a dull first half in Glasgow.
The Seleção bossed the ball but were unable to test Craig Gordon, frequent stoppages slowing the game down with neither side able to gain any momentum.
Ronaldo was visibly frustrated throughout the match, Portugal’s best chance coming in the 87th minute when Gordon did well to deny Bruno Fernandes.
Rafael Leão saw his shot blocked in added time, Ronaldo storming off the pitch after the final whistle which mirrored the attitude of most inside the stadium.
Portugoal’s Matthew Marshall reports from Hampden Park.
Scotland chances
Scotland spurned a great opportunity to shock the Seleção in the 4th minute. It came from a quick free kick, Andy Robertson’s cross picking out Scott McTominay who headed at Diogo Costa.
Cristiano Ronaldo shot straight at Craig Gordon as Portugal began to monopolise possession. They were unable to take advantage of frequent corners and crosses into the box with the hosts defending resolutely.
Ryan Christie had another presentable chance following a free kick, winger replicating his captian by giving Costa an easy save. The game was being slowed down by stoppages and referee Lawrence Visser who earned the wrath of a visibly upset and annoyed Ronaldo.
The small contingent of Portuguese supporters were making the majority of the noise at Hampden Park, their Scottish counterparts quiet as a mouse as their side slipped into defensive mode.
Pattern emerges
Portugal ended the first half with Diogo Jota’s deflected shot comfortably collected by Craig Gordon, Ronaldo and Vitinha then firing way over the bar. Ronaldo headed Jota’s cross over the bar to start the second half, Francisco Conceição unable to keep his effort down after a neat 1-2 with Ronaldo.
Roberto Martínez decided to act in the 61st minute when he brought on Rúben Neves, Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leão for Palhinha, Conceição and Jota. Steve Clark responded six minutes later when he introduced wingers Ryan Gauld and Lewis Morgan for Christie and Ben Doak.
Related: Portugal player ratings v Scotland
Game opens up
The game came alive with 15 minutes remaining, Anthony Ralston breaking clear down the right wing but his cross to strong for McTominay. Ronaldo spun in the box and sent his a shot wide with the captain certain of a corner.
Portugal had a great chance in the 87th minute, Leão picking out Bruno Fernandes who saw his saved by Gordon with Ronaldo ready to pounce. Nélson Semedo and João Félix were given five minutes to make an impact, Leão with the final opportunity of the game which was blocked by Nicky Devlin.
Low quality spectacle
I had high expectations visiting Hampden Park, one of the iconic stadiums in world football. Not only was the stadium and the atmosphere inside it a huge disappointment, the match failed to get going and deserves a minimal amount of analysis.
Scotland were desperate to avoid a fifth straight defeat stretching back to Euro 2024, the point and their clean sheet well deserved. Scott McTominay’s early chance was as good as it got for the hosts who were largely second best and shut down by a superior Portugal side.
The Seleção bossed the ball and ended with 70% possession, 714-316 passes and 14-4 shots, but only three were on target and Craig Gordon was tested once.
Portugal players in a huddle before taking on Scotland at Hampden Park. Photo: FPF/Diogo Pinto
Roberto Martínez made six changes to the side that started in the 2-1 win in Poland with António Silva, João Cancelo, João Palhinha, Vitinha, Francisco Conceição & Diogo Jota coming in. The manager will use this one to learn more about his side as the long road to the World Cup continues.
One obvious issue is fast and direct wingers. Rafael Leão and Pedro Neto showed in Poland that they are first choice to flank Ronaldo. Francisco Conceição was given a chance in Glasgow but Martínez's other options are more technicians than speedsters - Diogo Jota, João Félix, Francisco Trincão and Pedro Gonçalves.
Ronaldo’s reaction after the final whistle said it all. He showed his dissatisfaction with the officials and the contest by storming down the tunnel at the first available opportunity, his first match at Hampden Park not going as well as anticipated.
Line Ups
Scotland (4-2-3-1): Craig Gordon, Anthony Ralston (Nicky Devlin, 88’), Grant Hanley, John Souttar, Andy Robertson, Kenny McLean, Billy Gilmour, Ryan Christie (Ryan Gauld, 67’), Scott McTominay, Ben Doak (Lewis Morgan, 67’), Che Adams (Lyndon Dykes, 84’)
Unused substitutes: Robby McCrorie, Jon McCracken, Liam Lindsay, Ryan Porteous, Jack MacKenzie, Andy Irving, Connor Barron, Kevin Nisbet
Portugal (4-3-3): Diogo Costa, João Cancelo (Nélson Semedo, 88’), Rúben Dias, António Silva, Nuno Mendes, João Palhinha (Rúben Neves, 61’), Vitinha (João Félix, 88’), Bruno Fernandes, Francisco Conceição (Bernardo Silva, 61’), Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota (Rafael Leão, 61’)
Unused substitutes: Ricardo Velho, Rui Silva, Diogo Dalot, Renato Veiga, Otávio, João Neves, Francisco Trincão
