Cristiano Ronaldo's Late Winner Shatters Scotland's Hopes in Portugal

In a dramatic end to the Nations League clash at the Estádio da Luz, Cristiano Ronaldo’s late goal dashed Scotland’s hopes and extended their dismal run of form.

Scotland took an unexpected lead in the seventh minute with a header from Scott McTominay, and their defense held firm against Portugal’s barrage of 16 shots before halftime. However, a costly mistake by goalkeeper Angus Gunn allowed a long-range effort from Bruno Fernandes to slip into the net after the break, leveling the score.

Ronaldo, introduced at halftime, was a constant threat, striking both posts before finally finding the net. He converted a precise cross from Nuno Mendes to score his 901st career goal, sealing a 2-1 victory for Portugal.

The loss is another blow for Scotland, who have now gone eight competitive matches without a win, marking their worst run in history. They have only managed one win in their last 14 games, with their position at the bottom of their group compounded by Croatia’s 1-0 victory over Poland.

Despite the defeat, Scotland manager Steve Clarke can draw some positives from the team's performance in recent games. However, their ongoing struggle reflects a challenging period as they look to regain their form in upcoming fixtures.