Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest heroics on the international stage continue to defy time and expectations. In Portugal’s win over Scotland, the 39-year-old once again stole the spotlight, notching his 901st career goal with a deft touch that belied his years. His celebration was vintage Ronaldo—bounding toward the corner flag, relishing the moment with the exuberance of a man still scoring his first goal on the world stage.
But Ronaldo wasn’t finished after his goal. He patrolled the sidelines, gesturing and shouting, basking in the moment as if his goal had more on the line than just a few Nations League points. Having made a high-profile move to the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo’s club football might have taken a different path, but his passion and influence for Portugal remain undiminished. His celebration, amidst the raucous crowd at the Estadio da Luz, was a testament to his insatiable drive to remain at the pinnacle of the sport.
Despite advancing age and a move away from Europe’s top leagues, Ronaldo’s relentless thirst for goals and his uncanny finishing ability keep him relevant in the conversation of world football’s elite. Introduced at half-time with Scotland holding a 1-0 lead, Ronaldo wasted no time turning the match into his own personal showcase. Before netting the winner, he struck both posts, had fiery exchanges with teammates and officials, and even had to deal with a pitch invader, all while keeping the crowd on edge.
Scoring 901 professional goals is an extraordinary achievement, and if history is any guide, Ronaldo’s hunger won’t stop there. The prospect of him hitting 1,000 career goals seems audacious—but entirely possible for a player who continues to defy the limitations of age. Ronaldo plays by his own rules, and despite the whispers that he should step aside, he continues to prove his doubters wrong.
For Scotland, the loss was another hard pill to swallow, as they became the 48th international side to fall victim to Ronaldo’s brilliance. However, the game highlighted broader issues for Steve Clarke’s team. Across their last 14 matches, Scotland has conceded 33 goals, with an alarming trend of conceding late strikes—five times in their last six outings after the 85th minute. This trend has left Scotland with just one win in 14 games and no competitive victories in the past year.
Clarke, reflecting on the defeat, emphasized the need for perspective as Scotland rebuilds after a lackluster Euro 2024 campaign. “I reiterated to my players that we have to understand what part of the cycle we’re in, what we’re trying to build,” Clarke said post-match. The head coach seems determined to reset his team’s approach, gradually shifting from the defensive solidity of a five-man backline to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 formation. While Scotland showed glimpses of offensive improvement, especially after Bruno Fernandes’ equalizer, there is still much work to be done.
The introduction of fresh faces like Ryan Gauld, Ben Doak, and Tommy Conway hints at a more forward-thinking approach as Clarke eyes the World Cup qualifiers. It’s clear that evolution, rather than revolution, is the plan for the Scottish team, though time is limited and the opposition remains fierce.
At the heart of Scotland’s resurgence will undoubtedly be Scott McTominay. The midfielder once again found the net in Lisbon, heading home his 10th goal in 12 caps—a remarkable turnaround for a player who had just one goal in his first 37 appearances for the national team. McTominay’s transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary. Two years ago, he was being deployed as a right-sided center-back for Scotland. Now, he’s their most reliable goal scorer and a talismanic figure at the heart of Clarke’s plans.
McTominay’s form for his country is in stark contrast to his club career, where managers at Manchester United struggled to find his best role. His summer move to Napoli, a decision that generated much debate, may prove to be a catalyst for his continued development. With Erik ten Hag at Manchester United reluctant to let him go, it’s clear McTominay’s potential is well-regarded.
Former Scotland striker James McFadden praised McTominay’s adaptability and intelligence. “He’s not a conventional number 10,” McFadden remarked on BBC Radio Scotland. “His game is about athleticism, energy, and intelligence—he knows where to be, and his finishing has been outstanding.” McTominay’s ability to thrive in advanced positions, combined with his dynamic movement, makes him a unique asset for Scotland.
As Scotland looks to recalibrate, McTominay’s leadership and scoring prowess will be central to their hopes. His journey from defensive roles to becoming a key attacking threat mirrors the larger evolution that Clarke is attempting to instill in the national team. There’s no quick fix, but with McTominay firing on all cylinders, Scotland will hope to build on these foundations as they aim for World Cup qualification.