Scotland were once again dealt a late hammer blow as they went down 2-1 to Portugal in Lisbon.
Scott McTominay’s header broke the deadlock after only six minutes before his former Manchester United midfielder partner Bruno Fernandes equalised just after the break.
Despite starting from the bench his country for the first time in over two years it was Cristiano Ronaldo who would have the final say, winning the game in the 87th minute with his 901st career goal.
The hosts looked dynamic even without their talisman but it was Scotland who took an early lead.
McTominay timed his run perfectly in the area to meet a Kenny McLean header to notch his second goal in as many games and his 10th in his last 17 appearances under Steve Clarke. The Napoli midfielder continuing his somewhat prolific streak at international level.
Portugal pushed for a leveller before the break but Scotland defended resolutely before Roberto Martinez called for reinforcements from the bench. Captain Ronaldo was introduced at the break and nine minutes into the half they were level.
Fernandes’ first time strike from out side the box had enough on it to beat Angus Gunn but the Norwich goalkeeper may look back with regret that he couldn’t get a stronger hand on the ball.
The stopper was doing everything he could to redeem himself however with a string of impressive reflex saves in the closing stages.
His efforts were in vein however as, with only three minutes left of the 90, Ronaldo drifted away from Scott McKenna in the box to get on to the end of a Nuno Mendes cross to knock home what proved to be the winner and condemn Scotland to back-to-back defeats in their Nation League openers.
