Cristiano Ronaldo Bruno Fernandes Kieran Tierney Scott Mactominay Steve Clarke Portugal Scotland Hungary Poland county Hampden soccer quotes UEFA Nations League Cristiano Ronaldo Bruno Fernandes Kieran Tierney Scott Mactominay Steve Clarke Portugal Scotland Hungary Poland county Hampden

Steve Clarke sees plenty of positives for Scotland despite another late defeat

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Scotland manager Steve Clarke urged his players not to be hard on themselves after suffering another late blow. Half-time substitute Cristiano Ronaldo netted from close range in the 88th minute to earn Portugal a 2-1 victory in Lisbon in group A1 of the UEFA Nations League.

It was a familiar feeling for the Scotland players after conceding stoppage-time winners in their previous two matches, against Hungary in the Euro 2024 group stage and then Poland at Hampden on Thursday.

But, unlike the must-win game against Hungary, Scotland fans will come out of these Nations League matches with the feeling that their side have clearly been effective as an attacking force.

Scotland started on the front foot and Scott McTominay headed a seventh-minute opener before Bruno Fernandes swept home from 20 yards in the second half as the home side finally made some sustained pressure count.

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