Cristiano Ronaldo came off the bench to score a late winner – the 901st goal of his incredible career – to help Portugal inflict more Nations League misery on Scotland with a 2-1 win in Lisbon.
The 39-year-old striker was introduced at half-time by coach Roberto Martinez and played a huge part in Portugal’s comeback as they hit back after falling behind to claim a deserved victory.
Scott McTominay stunned the home crowd by putting Scotland ahead after seven minutes. Bruno Fernandes equalised nine minutes into the second half and Ronaldo clinched the three points for Portugal two minutes from full-time.
It was hard luck on Scotland who batted bravely but the gulf in class was evident as Steve Clarke’s men suffered their second successive defeat in League A – Group 1 following their loss to Poland last week.
It was a first half of pure frustration for Portugal, who fell behind early and then dominated.
Scotland scored from their first serious attack. The ball was recycled to Kenny McLean and his magnificent left-footed cross was perfect for Napoli new-boy McTominay to meet and power a header past Diogo Costa.
The main threat from the home side stemmed down their left side and from Rafael Leao, in particular.
The Milan winger was too strong, too quick and too clever for Anthony Ralston but he was let down by his decision making.
After nine minutes, Leao beat Ralston but then fired into the side netting when he ought to have gone across Angus Gunn.
Gunn was called into action after 20 minutes, producing a superb save at his near post to keep out Leao’s whistling drive which seemed destined for the bottom left-hand corner.
Leao then turned provider, getting to the byline and cutting it back for Diogo Jota, only for the Liverpool forward to shoot wastefully over the bar.
Jota did mange to get an effort on target shortly after the half-hour mark but his diving header, following a chipped pass from Fernandes, was easy for Gunn to parry clear.
Nuno…
Source link : https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/portugal-scotland-match-report-cristiano-ronaldo/
Author : Jon Fisher
Publish date : 2024-09-08 20:51:33
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