Published on September 8, 2024 at 11:17 p.m. Thibaut Simon
Already a scorer against Croatia, Cristiano Ronaldo did it again after coming on as a substitute against Scotland (2-1) to give his team all three points. Spain won in Switzerland (1-4), while Croatia and Denmark secured their place.
Portugal wanted to confirm after their victory against Croatia. For this second day of the Nations League, Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammates (on the bench at kick-off) hosted Scotland. It was the visitors who ideally started the match by opening the scoring through the new Napoli player: Scott McTominay (7th, 0-1). A well-placed header for the former Mancunian. The rest of the match was characterized by Portuguese domination and the show of the Scottish goalkeeper, Angus Gunn. With 27 shots including 8 on target, Portugal tried with the initiatives of Leao (19th), Diogo Jota (30th) and Nuno Mendes (36th). At half-time, Portugal was behind, but not for long.
A hero named Cristiano
As is often the case, when chances fail to come, you have to rely on the great players. If Bruno Fernandes manages to equalize a few minutes into the second half with a left-footed cross (53rd minute, 1-1), Cristiano Ronaldo will save his nation. The Al-Nassr striker is very close to scoring in the 81st minute, but his shot and header hit the post in quick succession. Not enough to discourage the former Madrid player. Served by a magnificent cross from Nuno Mendes, he scores the second Portuguese goal and gives his team the three points. Cristiano Ronaldo has once again shown his hero’s cap. In the other Group 1 match, Croatia won against Poland thanks to a magnificent free kick from the eternal Luka Modric.
Spain is doing well
The European champion had conceded a draw in Serbia on the first day. This Sunday in Switzerland, La Roja put on a show after playing for more than an hour with 10 against 11 following the exclusion of Le Normand (20th). Joselu (4th, 0-1) and Fabian Ruiz (13th, 0-2) had quickly put the Spanish on the right track. Despite Amdouni reducing the score (41st, 1-2) for Switzerland, Spain’s low block in the second half made the difference. Two counters that definitively gave the visitors the three points. Ruiz scored twice before Torres scored the fourth goal on a pass from Joselu. A clean sweep for Spain. For its part, Denmark confirmed its form by winning against Serbia (2-0).
