Coming off the bench, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a dramatic late winner as Portugal overturned a one-goal deficit to safe a 2-1 victory over Scotland, sustaining their spectacular Nations League type on Sunday.
After Bruno Fernandes leveled the rating for Portugal, Ronaldo struck within the 88th minute, marking his 901st profession aim.
Scotland briefly sparked hopes of their first win in opposition to Portugal since 1980 when Scott McTominay’s highly effective header put them forward within the seventh minute.
However, the Scots have been left empty-handed because the 39-year-old Ronaldo as soon as once more got here by for his workforce.
“The influence is always the same, regardless of whether he starts on the bench or not,” Fernandes, who performed his 600th profession recreation, mentioned of his former Manchester United teammate.
“Everyone who came on made a difference. Cristiano has a goal; today he scored 901 and now he’s on his way to a thousand, which is what he wants.”
Portugal leads League A, Group 1, with six factors after beginning with a victory over Croatia, who’re second with three factors following a 1-0 win in opposition to Poland on Sunday. Scotland has suffered two defeats, each on account of late objectives.
McTominay strike
The Scots arrived in Lisbon nonetheless stinging from a 3-2 residence defeat by Poland, however the touring Tartan Army have been quickly in full voice on the Estadio da Luz as former Manchester United midfielder McTominay arrived on the again put up to energy residence an outstanding cross by Kenny McLean.
Portugal responded by laying siege to Scotland’s aim, however keeper Angus Gunn made a string of saves, together with a world-class effort to maintain out Rafael Leao’s low drive.
The hosts had 15 aim makes an attempt earlier than the break however have been left pissed off as Scotland dug deep to guard their lead.
Gunn was overwhelmed within the 54th minute when the ball was pulled again to Fernandes, whose shot was well-struck however in all probability ought to have been stored out by the Scotland keeper.
Portugal appeared to have run out of steam however discovered one other gear late on, with Joao Felix twice being denied by very good Gunn saves and Ronaldo heading in opposition to the within of the put up.
Inevitably, nonetheless, Ronaldo stole the limelight with a easy tap-in from a depraved supply by Nuno Mendes.
Scotland appeared crestfallen as they soaked up one other late disappointment in a winless run of eight aggressive matches.
Moreover, they’ve conceded within the eighty fifth minute or later in 5 of their final six video games in all competitions.
“Obviously disappointed – it looked for a long period like we’d get something from the game,” Scotland supervisor Steve Clarke mentioned. “The effort and quality the players put in, they deserved to get something.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com