Scotland earned a fine Nations League point with a well-earned 0-0 draw against Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. couldn't find the breakthrough at Hampden, as Scott McTominay passed up an outstanding first half-chance to score.
Here's how Steve Clarke's side rated on the night...
Craig Gordon 8
Saved comfortably from Ronaldo’s first sight of goal, much to the ironic cheers from the sold-out crowd. One for the cameras to deny a Nuno Mendes free kick wide on the right. Thankfully denied Bruno Fernandes with a point-blank stop on the line as the game approached the 90. The veteran didn’t have a whole lot to do, but of course, had to remain alert throughout. A clean sheet against a team of Portugal’s quality is not to be sniffed at.
Anthony Ralston 8
Up against some of the trickiest wingers in the game, such as Rafael Leao, he put in a performance to be proud of. Crucial bit of defending on 10 minutes to put Diogo Jota off at the back post and prevent a clear chance on goal. Good clearance right before the break, otherwise Cristiano Ronaldo had an open goal to nod home. The Celtic full-back did so well with a lung-busting run up the right wing, however, didn’t have the quality in his delivery to set up a certain goal for McTominay. Some shift, Tony.
John Souttar 8
Early error on the ball with a slack pass on the outside of his root foot easily intercepted, leaving the hosts open to a counter. To his credit, the Rangers centre-half didn’t let that phase him, as he showcased his ability in possession by bringing it out from the back several times after the interval.
Grant Hanley 8
Decent interception to pull his teammate McLean out of bother after a terrible attempted back into a backtracking Robertson. The biggest compliment you could pay him, and the rest of the defence, is that they kept a team of Portugal’s stature quiet, especially Ronaldo.
Andy Robertson 8
The skipper stood up a brilliant cross for McTominay early on in what was an outstanding piece of vision that should have resulted in a goal. Bravely put his body on the line to lift the pressure on he and his teammates after a sustained period of pressure from the visitors as they settled in Glasgow. Linked well with Doak.
Billy Gilmour 7
Bravery was a key factor on the night! He stood in front of Ronaldo’s attempted overhead kick to act as the perfect distraction, and most simple way of winning a foul to stop the danger.
Kenny McLean 7
Showed the kind of composure required mostly, but a lot of his passing was off. Did particularly well during one second-half incident to relief mounting pressure by carrying the ball, driving into the middle of the park before buying a foul. Produced a fine tackle to halt a Bernardo Silva shot from the edge of the area.
Scott McTominay 7
The Napoli attacking midfielder simply had to score after only four minutes. The former Manchester United player was free as a bird inside the box, but from only seven or eight yards out, under no pressure, his header was straight at Diogo Costa. Mere yards away from being able to finish off a beautiful Scotland move on 75 minutes, but unfortunately couldn’t quite reach the cross. Rightly booked for a wild lunge on ex-teammate Bruno Fernandes. Continued to get into the right sort of areas but it just wasn’t his night, although, he’ll know full well he should’ve scored.
Ben Doak 7
The teenage protege showed no shortage of confidence by running at Antonio Silva and Joao Cancelo regularly when given the opportunity to get on the ball. The winger played his defence into trouble with a tippy-tappy pass inside, but the Portuguese couldn’t capitalise on the situation right after half-time. Probably came inside too often rather than looking to go round the outside to the byline, but another positive showing from the young man.
Ryan Christie 6
Some classy touches and neat close control displayed by the Bournemouth midfielder – a real top class trait of his. Had a shot on the half-volley comfortably stopped by the keeper. Put himself about, winning fouls both in the attacking-third, but also when carrying out his defensive duties.
Che Adams 8
The only change to the starting XI from Saturday’s defeat in Zagreb – rightly so after his impact and the fact he’s had a positive start in Serie A since joining Torino. Aside from blasting an effort from 25 yards, which was blocked at close-range, he saw zero goalmouth action. What he did do well was acting as the first line of defence, as the frontman tracked back countless times to make blocks and interceptions. Fantastic hold and link-up play.
Subs:
Ryan Gauld (for Christie, 66’) 5
Did exceptionally well to set off a dangerous counterattack.
Lewis Morgan (for Doak, 66’) 5
Picked out a tremendous channel ball to the overlapping Ralston. Then cleverly nicked possession from Mendes.
Lyndon Dykes (for Adams, 82’) 3
Tried to disrupt the solid Portuguese backline.
Nicky Devlin (for Ralston, 88’) 4
On for his national team debut – a deserved moment for the Aberdeen player. Thew himself in the way of a Leao shot.
