Scotland 0-0 Portugal: Seleçao Player Ratings as they are shut out heroically by the hosts in Glasgow | UEFA Nations League
Portugal were held to a 0-0 draw by Scotland at Hampden Park in Glasgow in a League A Group 1 match in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday, October 15.
The result sees Scotland pick up their first point in this edition of the tournament, but they remain rooted to fourth place. Portugal, on the other hand, move up to 10 points and remain in top spot.
Both Scotland and Portugal made decent starts to the game but the visitors dominated possession in the first period. With 73% of the ball, the Selecao looked the more dangerous side from the get-go, but were not able to create any significant chances in the first period. They attempted seven shots with two on target, but were effectively denied by Craig Gordon in the hosts' net.
Scotland, on the other hand, attempted three shots with two of those on target, and were kept out well by Portugal 'keeper Diogo Costa. Diogo Jota and Scott McTominay's bookings were the only notable events in a dull first half as the teams were deadlocked at 0-0.
Portugal began the second half in the same vein they ended the first period in, as they looked to open the scoring in the contest. However, they gave more emphasis to defending and prevented Scotland from registering a single shot on target in the second period. However, their own efforts in front of goal were futile as just one of their seven second-half attempts was on target.
Both Steve Clarke and Roberto Martinez made a host of changes with the hopes of breathing new life into this contest. However neither side was able to take the initiative or the lead in this game as it slowly but surely meandered towards a goalless draw. On that note, let's take a look at the visitors' player ratings.
Portugal Player Ratings
Diogo Costa - 7/10
Costa made two saves in a rather dull contest. He also distributed the ball with 88% accuracy, including three long balls.
Joao Cancelo - 7/10
Cancelo played for 88 minutes and had a decent game as he won four duels, making one clearance and one interception. He also played two key passes.
Antonio Silva - 7/10
Silva had a decent game in defence as he won two duels and made one clearance.
Ruben Dias - 7.5/10
Dias was solid at the back as he won four duels, making two clearances, one interception and one block. He also opened up the game for Portugal by playing six accurate long balls into wide areas for the wingers to chase down.
Nuno Mendes - 8/10
Mendes was solid at the back as he won seven of his nine duels. He was also electric going forward and completed all three of his dribble attempts, while also playing two key passes.
Vitinha - 8/10
Vitinha passed the ball with 95% accuracy, including two key passes. He also completed two dribbles and won all three of his duels in a well-rounded performance.
Joao Palhinha - 7/10
Palhinha had a good game in midfield as he passed the ball with 93% accuracy. He also won two duels.
Bruno Fernandes - 7.5/10
Fernandes passed the ball with 85% accuracy, including two key passes. He won four duels and also hit the woodwork once in the second period.
Francisco Conceicao - 6.5/10
The winger put in a subpar performance on the right flank. He played for 61 minutes and fired his only shot off-target. He failed to complete a single cross despite seven attempts and won just three of his duels.
Cristiano Ronaldo - 7/10
Ronaldo played the entire match and managed just one shot on target, with the other three going wide of the mark. However, he played one key pass and won two duels.
Diogo Jota - 6.5/10
Jota had a below par performance for Portugal as he managed just one shot on target for his team, while the other two were blocked. He also won just two of his seven duels and played one key pass.
Substitutes
Bernardo Silva - 7/10
Silva came on in the 61st minute of the match and passed the ball with 93% accuracy. He also won both his duels.
Ruben Neves - 7/10
Neves replaced Palhinha in the second period and passed the ball with 92% accuracy. He also won his only duel.
Rafael Leao - 7.5/10
Leao came on in the second period and looked sharp on the ball as he completed three of his four dribble attempts, carrying on from his form for AC Milan. He also played two key passes and and won three duels in a decent cameo.
Nelson Semedo & Joao Felix - N/A
The pair came on very late in the game and did not play enough minutes to warrant a rating.