Scotland 0-0 Portugal: Five talking points as Cristiano Ronaldo fires blanks for the first time in UEFA Nations League 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were held to a 0-0 draw by Scotland on Tuesday in an intriguing match that saw both sides share the points for the first time in this edition of the competition. The 2019 champions weren’t short on effort, with the visitors posting an xG of 1.52 but failing to convert their chances.
Portugal is one point away from booking their place in the next round of the competition, and Roberto Martinez will be keen to see his side build on their impressive start to the tournament. The game raised a few talking points among fans and neutrals after the final whistle.
Five talking points as Cristiano Ronaldo fires blanks for the first time in UEFA Nations League 2024
#5. Cristiano Ronaldo fails to score for Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo has been in inspired form for Portugal since his disappointing performances at the European Championships in Germany. He bagged three goals in his opening three appearances for his nation but failed to find the back of the net against Scotland.
Ronaldo did not have the best game of his career, with only one out of his four shots testing the keeper.
#4. Scott McTominay fails to impress
Scott McTominay is having a brilliant campaign. But he failed to impact the UEFA Nations League clash on Tuesday. The former Manchester United star has bagged two goals in the competition but could not repeat his heroics in this game.
He tested the keeper with his sole shot in the game but lost six duels in his first mediocre performance in a long time.
#3. Vitinha is a magical operator in the middle of the park
Portuguese star Vitinha was a delight to watch for the visitors at Hampden Park, with his passing and creativity. The Paris Saint-Germain star created two chances and completed two dribbles while completing 86 passes with his 99 touches.
The midfielder won three duels and made eight recoveries to maintain Portugal's stingy control of possession. In a game with Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch, Vitinha was the brightest star under the lights.
#2. Nuno Mendes stands out for Portugal
Nuno Mendes was impressive as always for his country at left-back and was one of the best players on the pitch. He played all 90 minutes and helped dominate the left flank.
The fullback completed 92% of his 78 passes while winning seven duels and making five recoveries.
#1. Craig Gordon the difference between parity and defeat
Craig Gordon was undoubtedly the star of the show at Hampden Park despite stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leao taking to the field. The 41-year-old rolled back the years to deliver a goalkeeping clinic and help his nation bag their first points in the game.
The Hearts shot-stopper had 43 touches in the match that saw him make three saves, eight recoveries and complete 23 passes. He will hope to repeat his heroics for his nation in their next game when they face Croatia on the same ground.
