Portugal supervisor Roberto Martinez was in a defensive temper following his workforce’s goalless draw away to Scotland within the Nations League on Tuesday night time.
After scoring in every of the Spaniard’s first 12 aggressive matches in control of Portugal, the Selecao have since drawn a clean in 4 of their final seven matches.
Regardless of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Jota amongst different massive hitters beginning, they had been unable to discover a well beyond 41-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who made some spectacular saves after they did get in on aim.
Portugal registered 14 pictures in the course of the encounter, although solely three had been on course, ending the competition with an anticipated objectives (xG) whole of 1.52.
When requested what was lacking from the efficiency, Martinez alluded to an absence of particular person high quality, significantly within the closing third.
“A call, just a little little bit of magic within the space. We had plenty of want, we labored very effectively with out the ball,” Martinez stated.
“It was a harmful recreation as a result of we may have possession of the ball, however Scotland have no need to attain a aim. We confirmed freshness, however we lacked freshness within the final third.
“You even have to present credit score to Scotland, they’d plenty of gamers in entrance of aim, their goalkeeper additionally made a spectacular save.”
94′ RESULTADO FINAL
Empate no Hampden Park. #PartilhaAPaixão | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/Civ74KIvAd
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) October 15, 2024
Following the efficiency and end result at Hampden Park, there have been additional questions on Martinez’s choice coverage for Portugal.
Probably the most high-profile question of all stays whether or not 39-year-old Ronaldo ought to proceed, having had a tough night time on his two hundredth begin for his nation.
“The nationwide workforce at all times has an open door, however now we’re speaking a couple of very, very giant group of gamers,” stated Martinez.
“It’s a query of continuous to attach and synchronise what we will do. Now the sport in Porto is to have fun qualification in entrance of our followers.”
200 – Cristiano Ronaldo is making his two hundredth begin for Portugal tonight, 21 years and 4 days after his very first begin for the @selecaoportugal (v Albania – 11/10/2003). Legend. pic.twitter.com/77arLJ8WRP
— OptaJoao (@OptaJoao) October 15, 2024
Scotland supervisor Steve Clarke, in the meantime, was a lot happier with the end result, which ended a four-game shedding run for Scotland.
“It’s not about turning a nook, it’s nearly working laborious and never letting the nation down. You might see that tonight,” he stated.
“The purpose was essential for us after the work the group put in to get off the mark.”
The end result additionally marked Scotland’s first clear sheet since beating Gibraltar 2-0 seven video games in the past in a pre-Euro 2024 warm-up pleasant.
The efficiency on the again was one other factor that happy Clarke.
“Defensively sound, the form of the workforce was good,” he stated.
“We denied plenty of house in behind. Good focus within the field, decided defending at occasions, some actually good blocks, which you want in opposition to sides like Portugal.
“Everybody contributed to earn the purpose.”
Regardless of taking an surprising level, Scotland are nonetheless backside of their Nations League group, whereas the draw means they’re winless in 10 matches – their longest ever run.