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.