Cristiano Ronaldo's late goal in Portugal's 2-1 victory over Scotland demonstrated one more why they still need him in the starting lineup. When Ronaldo entered the game in the second half, Portugal was behind 1-0. Shortly after, he quickly struck both posts and remained a threat the whole second half.

 

Concerns for Portugal grew after Scott McTominaty's goal in the seventh minute, but Bruno Fernandes equalised in the 54th. With the score tied at one goal in the eighty-eighth minute, left-back Nuno Mendes was able to move past an opponent and send in a low cross that rebounded off Diogo Jota's foot and dropped for Ronaldo in the absence of the custodian. Ronaldo scored with ease to give Portugal a 2-1 victory. Bruno Fernandes made the following statement regarding Ronaldo's impact: "The influence is always the same, regardless of whether he starts on the bench or not." "Everyone who participated changed things. Cristiano has a goal; he scored 901 today and is now headed towards his goal of a thousand," he continued. After defeating Croatia in their first match, Portugal leads League A Group 1 with six points. Second with three points is Croatia. Due to goals scored in the last minute, Scotland has lost both games.

Scotland's most recent game ended in a 2-3 loss to Poland; nevertheless, they were motivated in the first half of their encounter against Portugal when former Manchester United player Scott McTominay came in at the back post to convert a superb cross from Kenny McLean.
Following McTominay's goal, Portugal continued to pose a threat to Scotland, but Angus Gunn produced some incredible saves to maintain the score at 1-0 until the half. Portugal had fifteen goal attempts prior the halftime, but Scotland held firm. After that, in the 54th minute, Fernandes beat Gunn to seal the victory for the home team. With Joao Felix missed twice, the home team had a chance to take the lead before Ronaldo's winning goal.