In this match, Portugal opted to start without Ronaldo and chose not to field Dalot and Neves. Coach Martinez made these decisions to experiment with different positions and ensure the players remained fresh and ready for their return to the starting lineup.

That seems to be why Portugal played rather erratically. They allowed the visitors to score in the 7th minute with the choice of the head position of the recently released MU midfielder, McTominay.

This was Scotland’s only shot in the first half. The rest had to brace themselves to defend against their opponents’ continued attacks. Scotland suffered 16 shots from Portugal but somehow miraculously stayed on their feet.

The home team had constant opportunities, but sometimes they took advantage of them too quickly, and sometimes the shots did not go past the goalkeeper’s hands.

Ronaldo entered the field in the 46th minute and quickly made the difference.

Realising that things were not going well, Portugal brought on Ronaldo in the second half and he immediately made an impact.

Portugal’s attacks looked sharper and more effective. That’s why instead of scoring 16 times, they only had 10 shots in the second half but scored 2 goals against Scotland. The first was the situation in the 54th minute. Receiving the ball from Leao, Bruno Fernandes launched a left-footed shot from outside the box to equalize 1-1.

Then it was Joao Felix’s turn to have a chance when he took on the opposing goalkeeper. But the Chelsea striker missed a good opportunity.

It wasn’t until Ronaldo spoke in the 88th minute that Portugal scored. He caught the ball from close range, ran and scored into an empty net, making the score 2-1 to Portugal.

This is Ronaldo’s 901st goal in history. And the first goal in his first match against Scotland. Scotland thus became the 48th victim of this star’s career (at international level).