Cristiano Ronaldo gives Portugal late win over Scotland
Late Heartbreak for Scotland as Portugal Snatch Win
Scotland’s 2022-23 Nations League campaign got off to a disappointing start as they were beaten 2-1 by Portugal in their Group A opener. The result is a bitter pill to swallow for the Scots, who battled hard to take the lead through Scott McTominay’s early goal. However, it was the away team who ultimately prevailed, thanks to a dramatic turnaround in the second half.
Scotland Take the Lead
The Scots were determined to make a strong start and they got off to the perfect beginning when Scott McTominay struck in the 7th minute. The Manchester United midfielder has been in decent form for his club, and his 10th goal in his last 13 competitive games for Scotland was a welcome sight. Scotland looked to build on their lead, with Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo causing problems for the Scottish defense.
Portugal Fight Back
The home team, however, refused to give up. On 54 minutes, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes equalized with a beautiful strike. The equalizing goal seemed to inspire Portugal, who began to take control of the match. Scotland, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm and were repeatedly caught offside.
Ronaldo Steals the Show
With two minutes left to play, Portugal coach Fernando Santos decided to bring on his big gun, Cristiano Ronaldo. And it was no surprise that the Portuguese icon proved to be the difference maker. In the 88th minute, he was in the right place at the right time to tap in an empty net, securing a dramatic late victory for Portugal.
Heartbreak for Scotland
For Scotland, the result means that they have now suffered nine defeats in their last 14 games. Two late goals have consigned them to defeat once again, following a similar tale of woe against Poland. The Scots can take some comfort from their determination and battling spirit, but ultimately, it is two defeats from two games.
What’s Next?
Scotland will have to regroup and pick themselves up for their next challenge, which comes in the form of a match against the Czech Republic on Sunday. They will need to find a way to shore up their defense and exploit the weaknesses of their opponents if they are to bounce back from this setback.
In the meantime, Portugal will be celebrating their opening win, which puts them in a strong position in Group A. Santos will be pleased with the spirit and determination shown by his team, and Ronaldo will be looking to add to his impressive tally of goals.
