Scotland reaction: Clarke reveals rare celebration moment, debutant praise, Martinez’s Ronaldo concerned
Scotland boss pleased to get first Nations League points on board
Steve Clarke hailed an important point for Scotland as they got their Nations League Group A1 campaign up and running with a 0-0 draw against Portugal.
The Scots put in a disciplined, defensively diligent display against Cristiano Ronaldo and his fellow forwards, with the back-four and goalkeeper Craig Gordon playing a vital part in the draw. The result allows Scotland to build ahead of the final matches in the group, at home to Croatia on November 15 and away to Poland three days later, as they look to maintain their top-tier status in the tournament.
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Scotland remain on a run of just one win in 16 matches, but the draw – and manner of it – gave more optimism given the squad is currently without more than a dozen regulars, including key men such as John McGinn and Kieran Tierney.
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Steve Clarke hailed the performance from Scotland against Portugal.
Steve Clarke hailed the performance from Scotland against Portugal. | SNS Group
“Obviously, the point was important for us,” said Clarke. “The work we’ve put into the group, to get off the mark is nice. So, yeah, it’s good. We were defensively sound, the shape of the team good. We denied a lot of space behind. We had good concentration in the box and determined defending at times.
“Some really good blocks, which you have to do against a team like Portugal. When you need a couple of big saves, your goalkeeper needs to do it as well. Everybody contributed to what is a well-earned point.”
Clarke hailed the contribution of debutant defender Nicky Devlin, who replaced Anthony Ralston in the closing stages and made a goal-saving block to deny Rafael Leao a late winner.
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“It was a brilliant block,” continued Clarke. “First cap for Nicky. A moment to remember. Basically, he got his point with that block. He was brave. I had no doubt over putting Nicky into the game. He’s trained really well. He’s fitted into the group. He’s got a good experience.
“He’s 30 years of age and he’s still got games under his belt. I knew when Tony was ready to come off that Nicky would be fine, and he was.”
Nicky Devlin made a huge block in the dying stages.
Nicky Devlin made a huge block in the dying stages. | SNS Group
The defence of Anthony Ralston, John Souttar, Grant Hanley and Andy Robertson as a whole received praise from Clarke, while the midfielders in front of the back four gave his side more protection. “Recently we’ve had one or two little lapses in certain moments in the game that cost you dear against this type of team,” said Clarke. “Tonight, maybe a time we got a little bit fortunate, but nobody can deny us the fortune now because we’ve worked ever so hard to get that little break.”
Goalkeeper Gordon, winning his 77th cap, made an excellent late save to deny Bruno Fernandes. “When they did create the big, big chance, Craig made the save, which is the first time in a long time I’ve celebrated a goalkeeper’s save,” smiled Clarke.
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“I was trying to talk to John [Carver, assistant coach] and actually celebrated it. So it meant a lot to me and it meant a lot to everybody in the stadium because that’s what gets you the point. We spoke before the game about doing all the dirty stuff, the hard work, the ugly stuff if you like and the boys did that fantastically.”
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez was disappointed to leave Hampden with only a point, but paid tribute to Scotland’s resoluteness in shutting out his team.
Craig Gordon made a key save from Bruno Fernandes.
Craig Gordon made a key save from Bruno Fernandes. | SNS Group
“We did lack freshness,” admitted Martinez. “We controlled the game, we reached the last third many times. I’d like to give credit to Scotland. Five of our shots were blocked. Their goalkeeper had a good game. Steve Clarke is building a national team like a club. Scottish players playing abroad is very good. Steve Clarke is doing a great job.”
Martinez was also quizzed on the pitch invader that made a beeline towards Ronaldo towards the end of the match. “Unfortunately it happens too many times,” Martinez added. “We understand he’s an iconic figure but when you have someone running on to the pitch with maybe the wrong intentions, it is a worry.”
Related topics:Scottish PremiershipSteve ClarkeRoberto MartinezCristiano RonaldoScotland
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