"It could've been anyone who scored the goal, but he's always dangerous" - Scotland attacker on Cristiano Ronaldo after defeat to Portugal
Scotland midfielder Ryan Gauld praised Cristiano Ronaldo despite the Portuguese souring his international debut. Scotland lost 2-1 to A Selecao in their UEFA Nations League game, courtesy of an 88th-minute winner by the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Gauld, 27, made his senior international debut in Portugal, where he played for seven seasons for the likes of Sporting Lisbon and Vitoria de Setubal. After graduating from Dundee United, he joined Sporting Lisbon in 2014.
Cristiano Ronaldo was named on the bench for Portugal in Ryan Gauld's Scotland debut. The 39-year-old, however, came off the bench to score a late winner.
Speaking to O Jogo after his debut, Gauld expressed his frustration at losing the match in the dying stages.
"The way we lost, we are all frustrated. We came to play and we showed courage," said Gauld.
"A player like him [Cristiano Ronaldo] is always there to make the difference, and he did today. It could have been anyone who scored the goal, but he is always dangerous when he is on the pitch and, unfortunately, he scored the goal," he added.
Gauld saw a few familiar faces, such as Bruno Fernandes and Rafael Leao, upon returning to Portugal.
"It's always good to see friends and players I played with. Seeing Bruno [Fernandes], Rafael Leão, Palhinha, it's always good. They're having a top career, it's good to see them and come back to Portugal and be here in Lisbon," he said.
Gauld plays for Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer (MLS).
"Cristiano Ronaldo can't play two consecutive matches of 90 minutes" - Roberto Martinez
Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 132 goals for the national team in 214 appearances, got a glowing endorsement from his international coach Roberto Martinez. The Spaniard spoke about Ronaldo’s excellent form but warned against overplaying him.
"Cristiano is in good form. He’s played three matches and scored with his club," he said. We have to protect all the players. He can't play two consecutive matches of 90 minutes," Martinez warned via Eurosport.
The Al-Nassr star started on the bench against Scotland, and Martinez hinted at a repeat of the same in the future.
"He [Cristiano] has to be there for the end of the match, not the start. I like his commitment," Martinez added.
Ronaldo had a successful international break, scoring his 900th and 901st career goals as Portugal beat Croatia and Scotland by 2-1 margins.