Portugal draws Scotland to get closer to the Nations League quarterfinals.

Tuesday’s 0-0 draw away to Scotland all but guaranteed Portugal a spot in the Nations League quarterfinals—the first defeat of Roberto Martinez’s team in four games.

Diogo Jota was handed a rare start for Portugal against Scotland in the Nations League, but it proved to be a frustrating night for the Liverpool forward.

With 10 points, the Portuguese continue to lead Group A1, three points clear of Croatia, who drew 3–3 away to Poland. The Scots are last in Group A1 with one point. The top two teams in the group go to the round of eight, while the third-place Poles receive four points.

“A bit of magic in the area” is what Martinez claimed his guys were lacking.

 

 

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The Spanish manager said on Sport TV, “We worked very well without the ball and we had a lot of desire.” Scotland required very little to score a goal, so even though we could have had possession, it was a risky game. We were fresh in the first third, but not in the last third.”

For the majority of the match, Portugal was ahead, but they missed opportunities, with Cristiano Ronaldo, who had scored in their previous three games, missing a clear opportunity early in the second half. He headed over the bar with a diving header when unmarked in the box.

When Ronaldo, 39, missed a bicycle, Scotland’s “Tartan Army” gave him another sarcastic applause.

Martinez responded, “Our talent, our players are plan A, B, C, D, and E,” when asked if Portugal required a backup plan.

“We are speaking about a team that played excellent defense and didn’t take many chances. We have players on the inside and outside.” We are discussing a team (Portugal) that made 53 appearances in the final third. We must take pride in both Scotland and ourselves for keeping a spotless record.”