Portugal 2-1 Scotland: Selecao player ratings as Cristiano Ronaldo secures winner with another step towards 1000 career goals
Portugal beat Scotland 2-1 in their UEFA Nations League clash on Sunday (September 8), with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a late goal to secure three points for his team. The Scots would rue the loss, though, as they scored first and hoped to hold onto the lead for the rest of the match. However, it was not to be.
It was former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay who opened the scoring for Scotland at the Estadio da Luz. Andy Robertson set the ball for Kenny McLean, who provided a brilliant cross for McTominay to head home in the seventh minute.
The rest of the first half belonged to Portugal, who sought chances to equalize but could not break through. By the end of the first half, the Selecao were the better side in every regard, including 252 passes (93% accuracy). Scotland, on the other hand, made only 92 passes with 69% accuracy in the first half.
Portugal had 16 shots, with three on target, though they were unable to score, while Scotland's only shot at goal was McTominay's header, which sealed the opener. However, in the second half, things took a turn for the better for the Selecao. In the 54th minute, Portugal pulled level as Bruno Fernandes found the back of the net.
It required an impressive assist from Rafael Leao, who found Fernandes right at the edge of the box. The Manchester United playmaker placed it towards the bottom right corner and into the goal.
Scotland had two big penalty shouts, but none were given by the referee. Portugal had several massive chances, with Cristiano Ronaldo hitting the post. However, the goal finally came through the legendary Portuguese striker, who scored his 901st career goal, thanks to an impressive assist from Nuno Mendes.
The full-back set Ronaldo up with a powerful cross into the six-yard area, and the striker tapped it into an empty net. While Scotland had a few more chances in the second half, Portugal were ruthless and clinical. They were just as accurate in the second half, completing 278 passes (90% accuracy), while the Scots could only muster 104 passes (75% accuracy).
Here are the player ratings for Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo's effort sealing the win.
Portugal Player Ratings
Diogo Costa - 6/10
There wasn't much for the Portugal goalkeeper to do, as Scotland hardly found chances. However, he wasn't able to keep McTominay's effort out.
Nelson Semedo - 5/10
Nelson Semedo might have been the most accurate passer, completing all the 26 passes he made. However, he struggled to defend on the right flank, losing eight duels out of nine.
Antonio Silva - 6.5/10
The Benfica defender hardly put a foot wrong for Portugal, going forward for set-pieces to add more threats in attack.
Ruben Dias - 7/10
The Manchester City defender was important for the Selecao, as he recycled possession from deep, making an impressive 97% (75/77) passes across 90 minutes.
Nuno Mendes - 8/10
The left-back provided a complete performance, where he showed strength in defense and created an assist that led to Cristiano Ronaldo's winning goal.
Bernardo Silva - 7/10
In the 68 minutes he spent on the pitch, Bernardo Silva regularly created chances and aided the attack.
Joao Palhinha - 6/10
He was substituted off at half-time after failing to impress Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez.
Bruno Fernandes - 9/10
The Manchester United playmaker was important in the defense, as he won seven out of 13 duels. However, his presence in the attack lifted the game for the Selecao as he scored their first goal from just outside the area.
Pedro Neto - 5/10
The Chelsea winger struggled to impress, as his crosses often failed to find their mark and he could hardly get a chance at goal. He was taken off at half-time.
Diogo Jota - 7/10
While he did not score or provide an assist, Diogo Jota was a thorn in Scotland's side with his dribbling, as he completed four out of four.
Rafael Leao - 8/10
The AC Milan winger was vital in Portugal's first goal, as he set up Bruno Fernandes with a brilliant cut-back pass, which the playmaker finished with aplomb.
Cristiano Ronaldo and others came on as substitutes...
Ruben Neves - 7/10
He came on for Palhinha at half-time and elevated the midfield with his accurate passing (33/34) and pinpoint long balls that helped control the game.
Cristiano Ronaldo - 9/10
Cristiano Ronaldo came on with 45 minutes to change the game, and he did just that with a late goal (88').
Joao Neves - 6/10
The 19-year-old spent 22 minutes on the pitch and helped the midfield retain possession.
Joao Felix - 6.5/10
He threatened in attack during his 22 minutes on the pitch and might have scored on another day.
Diogo Dalot - 6/10
He spent only 14 minutes on the pitch but managed to complete all his attempted passes (10/10).