Scotland frustrate Ronaldo in reminder of Clarke's qualities

Those with pitchforks pointing in the direction of Steve Clarke could barely have enjoyed this.

- Ewan Murray

There was no unwanted making of history, no fifth defeat in succession. The run of form extended to one win in 16 games but the attitude displayed by the hosts on Glasgow's south side was of one fully committed to their manager.

Cristiano Ronaldo was denied a 134th international goal. In truth, he never really looked like collecting it. Scotland will take great heart from the small step made here. Not only did they scrap in a form which has made this team so generally successful but had a level of organisation which owes plenty to effective coaching. Clarke's detractors should take note. Ronaldo left the field in an agitated state.

Ronaldo-mania had gripped Paisley - where Portugal trained on Monday and their hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond. Ronaldo had looked content to accommodate the masses.

The sight of Scottish youngsters in Ronaldo strips at Hampden Park emphasised the theory this was no ordinary fixture. The 39-year-old had never played at this venue before; the Nations League allowed him to follow in the footsteps of Pele, Maradona, Puskas and Beckenbauer by taking to the Hampden pitch.