Portugal edges closer to quarter-finals with a goalless draw against Scotland

GLASGOW - Despite a goalless draw with Scotland on Oct 15, Portugal is on track to secure a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals. This was the first time Roberto Martinez's side failed to secure a win in the competition after four consecutive victories.

The Portuguese maintained top spot in Group A1 with 10 points, three ahead of Croatia, who drew 3-3 with Poland in Tuesday’s other game in the group, while Steve Clarke’s struggling Scotland side are last on one point. Third-placed Poland have four points with the top two in the group moving on to the last eight.

Portugal were on the front foot for most of the night but squandered numerous chances including a sitter early in the second half for Cristiano Ronaldo, who had scored in each of the previous three games. Unmarked in the box and with virtually all the time in the world, the 39-year-old flashed a diving header over the crossbar.

Scotland had their chances despite a sloppy night plagued by careless turnovers, with Scott McTominay narrowly missing with a header before the game was five minutes old. Scottish keeper Craig Gordon made a handful of terrific saves in the dying minutes against a swarming Portugal side to hold on to the draw.