PA Media/dpa
London
Scotland secured their first Nations League point with a gutsy goalless draw against Portugal at Hampden Park.
Much of the interest centred on the visitors’ striker Cristiano Ronaldo whose every involvement brought boos, jeers or cheers from the Tartan Army.
And while Roberto Martinez’s side, who arrived top of League A Group 1 with nine points from nine, dominated the ball, the 39-year-old and his team-mates were profligate in front of goal while the home side defended for their lives.
Steve Clarke’s side had lost their first three fixtures and a point and a clean sheet against a top-tier nation will go a long way to restore confidence ahead of the double-header against Croatia and Poland next month.
Clarke again had to choose from a depleted squad but there was some positivity emanating from the Scotland camp following a 2-1 defeat in Zagreb on Saturday.
Teenage attacker Ben Doak kept his place albeit he started on the left with the only change being striker Che Adams in for Lyndon Dykes.
The visitors beat Scotland 2-1 in Lisbon last month with Ronaldo scoring a late winner and he was joined by several more top-class players such as Ruben Dias, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Jota but it was the home side who should have taken an early lead.
Midfielder Scott McTominay missed a great chance in the fourth minute when he headed an Andrew Robertson cross straight at keeper Diogo Costa, who also saved a half-decent effort from Ryan Christie.
In between those two saves, Ronaldo threatened for the first time with a left-footed drive from the edge of the box which was smothered by veteran keeper Craig Gordon.
