It was a desperately disappointing note on which to start the new season’s first international break and promoted Scotland’s first-ever campaign in League A, which gets no easier with a trip to Lisbon on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo, after so much criticism of his performances at Euro 2024, bagged the 900th goal of his remarkable career in their 2-1 home win over Croatia earlier this week.
Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s game.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Portugal vs Scotland is scheduled for a 7:45pm BST kick-off time tonight on Sunday September 8, 2024.
The Estadio da Luz in Lisbon – home of Portuguese giants Benfica – will host the contest.
Where to watch Portugal vs Scotland
TV channel: In the UK, tonight’s match will be broadcast live and free to air on ITV4. Coverage starts at 7:30pm.
Live stream: Fans will also be able to watch on a free live stream online via the ITVX website or app.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog.
Portugal vs Scotland team news
Captain Ronaldo is again expected to start for the hosts under Roberto Martinez, while Nelson Semedo and Joao Neves could both get the nod from the off after beginning the Croatia game on the bench.
Goncalo Ramos is among Portugal’s absentees due to injury, while veteran defender Pepe has now retired from football altogether aged 41.
Torino striker Che Adams withdrew from the Scotland squad ahead of the game against Poland, along with Celtic duo James Forrest and Greg Taylor and Kilmarnock goalkeeper Robby McCrorie.
Milestone: Cristiano Ronaldo notched his 900th career goal against Croatia in the Nations League
REUTERS
Dundee’s Jon McCracken was called up instead, with Rangers midfielder Connor Barron also added to the squad along with Sassuolo’s Josh Doig. Lyndon Dykes returned to the fold after injury along with Ryan Gauld and Ben Doak, who both made their senior international debuts off the bench at Hampden.
Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney remains sidelined with the hamstring injury he suffered at the Euros, while Celtic captain Callum McGregor last month retired from international football. Free agents Stuart Armstrong, Liam Cooper and Ryan Jack were among the other omissions from Steve Clarke’s squad.
Portugal vs Scotland prediction
It’s difficult to see how an out-of-form Scotland team on such a poor run and low on confidence stops this star-studded Portugal side away from home, particularly if Ronaldo is in full flow once again.
A comfortable victory for the hosts likely beckons in Lisbon then, leaving Clarke with much to ponder ahead of further games against Croatia and Portugal in October and after such a disappointing showing at Euro 2024.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Scotland have not beaten Portugal since a thumping 4-1 win at Euro 1980, losing four of the last six meetings with two draws.
These sides have only met twice so far this century and since 1993, Portugal winning a friendly encounter 2-0 in rainy Braga back in 2002 thanks to a Pauleta brace before running out 3-1 victors at Hampden in October 2018.
Portugal vs Scotland latest odds
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
