UEFA Nations League A Group 1

Portugal 2-1 Scotland

Sunday, 8 September 2024

Estádio da Luz, Lisbon

Scorers

Portugal 2 (Bruno Fernandes 54’, Cristiano Ronaldo 88’)

Scotland 1 (Scott McTominay 7’)

Team News

Steve Clarke named and unchanged starting XI from the team that faced Poland midweek.

Captain Andy Robertson’s place in the starting XI saw him move level with Paul McStay as the fifth most-capped Scotland Men’s player of all-time on 76 caps. The skipper already holds the record for most matches as Scotland Men's captain. 

As It Happened

Scotland took the lead within the opening ten minutes when a fantastic ball into the box from Kenny McLean was met by Scott McTominay who evaded everyone to head home an impressive opener.

Steve Clarke's back line had to absorb their fair share of pressure throughout the first half. Diogo Jota blasted a potential leveller over the crossbar on 22 minutes. Antonio Silva also had a chance a few minutes later but couldn't make a clean connection. 

Scotland's defence was eventually breached after Portugal came out strong in the second half, gaining their equaliser 10 minutes after the restart. Bruno Fernandes received the ball on the edge of the box and fired a first time finish into the bottom right corner.

While the hosts remained on top for the opening period of the second half, Scotland found their second wind after 60 minutes, as Scott McTominay and Ryan Christie both saw shots from the left-hand side of the pitch blocked by the Portugal defence. 

The tides turned again, as Angus Gunn was called into action a number of times in quick succession, making a number of impressive saves to keep the score level. First, neat play between Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix put the latter in on goal, but our No.1 was quick off his line save with his feet. Moments later, a strong left hand kept out a stinging Diogo Jota header, before a leaping dive clawed the ball off the line and denied Félix's once more.

The pressure eventually told on 88 minutes, as Portugal secured a late winner courtesy of a Nuno Mendes cross into the box, where Cristiano Ronaldo - a half-time substitute - was available to tap-in and secure his side all three points.

Next Up

Scotland are next in action in October when they travel to take on Croatia before welcoming Portugal to Hampden Park. Tickets for the latter are on sale here.

Teams

Portugal: Costa, Semedo (Dalot 76’), Dias, Silva, Mendes, Fernandes, Palhinha, B Silva (Neves 68’), Leao (Felix 68’), Neto (Ronaldo 45’), Jota

Unused Substitutes: Sa, R Silva, Santos, Veiga, Pote, Trincao, Quenda

Scotland: Gunn, McKenna, Robertson, Hanley, Ralston, Gilmour, McLean (Gauld 74’), Christie (Morgan 87’), McGinn (Doak 90+1’), McTominay, Dykes (Conway 74’)

Unused Substitutes: McCracken, Clark, Doig, Johnston, Souttar, Porteous, Barron, Shankland