GLASGOW, OCT 16 – Scotland upset Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal with a 0-0 draw at Hampden Park early this morning to avoid a fifth straight competitive defeat for the first time.
The hosts needed a superb save from Craig Gordon to deny Bruno Fernandes a late winner and hold on to secure their first point in the top division of the Nations League.
Portugal remain top of Group A1 but will have to wait to confirm their place in the quarter-finals next March.
In his 216th international appearance, Ronaldo made his 200th start, more than 21 years after his debut.
However, the 39-year-old fell short of his 133-goal haul with Portugal and left the pitch after the final whistle, shouting at the match officials.
Scotland have won just one of their last 16 games – a 2-0 friendly win over Gibraltar last June – and remain winless in a competitive game for more than a year.
But Steve Clarke’s men fought hard to contain the opposition in Glasgow.
Scotland even had the best chance of the first half in the first five minutes when Scott McTominay headed too close to Diogo Costa from a difficult angle.
The Portuguese player, Francisco Conceicao shot high in the second half after receiving Ronaldo’s pass.
Ronaldo then saw his effort go just wide after breaking free from the Scottish defenders. – AFP
