In a focus match in Group A of the UEFA Nations League, Portugal, wearing their iconic red national team jerseys, played at home against Scotland, wearing blue jerseys. At the beginning of the game, Portugal was in trouble, and Scotland took the lead with a quick counterattack in the 6th minute. McTominay received a cross from his teammate in the penalty area and scored with a header, helping Scotland to lead 1-0.
Portugal quickly counterattacked after falling behind. Although they controlled the rhythm of the game in the first half, Scotland’s defense was extremely tenacious and Portugal failed to break the door. At the end of the first half, Portugal was still behind 0-1.
After the start of the second half, the Portuguese coach made adjustments and replaced Ronaldo in the classic red Portuguese jersey. He brought a turnaround for the team in the 54th minute. Bruno Fernandes (B Fee) celebrated his 30th birthday and tied the score to 1-1 with a shot from outside the penalty area, and Portugal finally found the rhythm of the game.
As the game progressed, Ronaldo continued to create threats. In the 77th minute, Ronaldo’s clever back-heel pass gave Felix a single opportunity, but the Scottish goalkeeper saved this key shot. In the 83rd minute, Ronaldo’s header hit the post, and Portugal was only one step away from leading. However, the opportunity came again at the end of the game. In the 87th minute, Mendes made a cross from the left, and Ronaldo broke the Scottish goal with a calm push in the penalty area, helping Portugal to reverse and win 2-1.
In the 45 minutes that Ronaldo came on as a substitute, he showed a good state in the Portuguese jersey, with a total of 6 shots, 1 goal and two hits on the goal frame, and also sent 1 key pass, and performed well in the header and defense. After the game, Ronaldo received a high score of 7.5 points for his outstanding performance, proving that even at the age of 39, he can still contribute to the Portuguese team in the top arena.
Recently, the discussion about whether Ronaldo should retreat to the bench has continued to heat up, but his performance in this game temporarily calmed all doubts. After the game, Piers Morgan, who had a famous interview with Ronaldo, also posted a photo with Ronaldo on social media and teased Manchester United coach Ten Hag. Ten Hag once caused controversy for abandoning Ronaldo, which led to the Portuguese legend leaving Manchester United. Now Ronaldo, who is shining in the Saudi League and the European Nations League, responded to all doubts with a goal.
