Cristiano Ronaldo takes the huff at Hampden – Siu replaced by boos as Portugal superstar pocketed by Scotland
How Ronaldo fared on his Hampden debut
At the age of 39 years and 253 days, Cristiano Ronaldo can now finally tick the box, claim one up on Lionel Messi, and place himself alongside Pele and Maradona.
No career of a footballing galactico can be truly complete without making an appearance at Hampden Park. Or so us proud Scots might like to claim.
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Pele graced the hallowed turf in 1966 in a 1-1 friendly draw with Brazil. Maradona visited with Argentina in 1979 and scored his first international goal in the process. Messi may have three more Ballon d’Or trophies than the five claimed by the superstar from Portugal, but he has never made an appearance at the oldest international football stadium in the world.
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Ronaldo’s trip to Scotland took him to St Mirren’s SMiSA Stadium, down the flumes at Cameron House Hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond, and into the back pocket of Grant Hanley.
The Norwich City centre-half and defensive partner John Souttar managed to keep the Al-Nassr forward at bay during his 94 minutes on the park as Scotland claimed a credible goalless draw to avoid the unwanted history of a fifth successive defeat for the first time in their history.
Goalkeeper Craig Gordon also played his part. The one player on the pitch older than Ronaldo – the Hearts stopper turns 42 in December – got down low to keep out a powerful diagonal drive after eight minutes.
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The first sign of a legend in town came before entering the stadium. Only the true greats of the game can boast their own merchandise and the Cristiano Ronaldo scarves on sale in the stalls outside the ground were proving popular among the young fans who idolise him.
“Ronaldo”, “Ronaldo”, screamed the kids who made their way down to trackside for a closer look at their icon. Others among the Tartan Army were less welcoming as jeers greeted his every touch once the match got underway.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo cuts a frustrated figure during the goalless draw against Scotland at Hampden. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo cuts a frustrated figure during the goalless draw against Scotland at Hampden. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid icon scored his 901st career goal – and his first against Scottish opposition – in Lisbon last month to seal a 2-1 victory for Portugal. The wait goes on, however, for a first goal on Scottish soil after this latest blank followed similar outings at Celtic Park and Ibrox under Alex Ferguson.
There were chances for Ronaldo to break that duck. It looked like the stars were aligning for one of his highlight reel goals – of which there are many – when he lined up an overhead kick midway through the first half, but sent the effort wide under pressure from Billy Gilmour.
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He then ballooned a presentable shooting chance over the bar five minutes before half-time – cue the ironic cheers – and then sent a diving header over the bar early in the second half.
It looked like his time would come in the 82nd minute, brilliantly controlling a cross at the back post, cutting inside three Scotland players before firing inches wide as Hampden held its breath.
Such is Ronaldo’s status that he can even award himself a free-kick. He stopped during what seemed a fair tussle with Ben Doak, and referee Lawrence Visser duly obliged with a shrill of the whistle. There was also the worrying sight of a pitch invader making a beeline for Ronaldo before being tackled by stewards.
He then played the panto villain on full-time. The greatness may not have been on display, but the petulance for which he is also known came to the fore. Storming down the tunnel in the huff without shaking the hands of Scottish players while gesticulating at all around him to earn more derision from the crowd.
Ronaldo’s Hampden debut was the night the Siu was replaced by the boo.
Related topics:Cristiano RonaldoHampden ParkScotlandPortugal
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