‘Disappointing night’ or ‘encouraging performance’? Your views on Scotland’s loss to Portugal

Scotland fans, we asked for your thoughts after Portugal’s late goal made it two defeats from two for Steve Clarke’s side in the Nations League.

Here’s what some of you had to say:

George: Encouraging performance but we really need to ditch players who aren’t suitable at this level such as Grant Hanley, Angus Gunn and Lyndon Dykes. Starting 11 was much the same as it has been for a while, time to give Ben Doak a start if we are truly moving on.

John: Yet another disappointing night despite the efforts of the team. Steve Clarke could have made substitutions earlier when legs and bodies were tired. Yet again he dithered until it was too late. What other manager would still be in a job after one win fourteen games? If we are to reach the next stage of this competition, or the next World Cup, then we must change now.

Allan: Let’s be honest, not many sides in the world will come out of Lisbon against Portugal with a point. Scotland battled hard and kept in the game until the 87th minute and caused Portugal a few headaches. This is not the time to criticise the manager or the team.

David: We played well considering they have one of the best and deepest squads in the world, full of superstars. We just need a defence. I think Clarke should work on searching high and low for some more defenders who have Scottish grandparents. Our midfield is stacked, our attacking options are fine, we just need centre backs that can play out from the back with composure and not be shaking with nerves like ours are. We need the calmness of a Billy Gilmour at centre back, just a bit taller and two stone heavier.

David B: John McGinn was ineffective and too slow as was Anthony Ralston who allowed the cross for Cristiano Ronaldo’s winning goal. McGinn should have been subbed after the equaliser if not earlier. Been a huge fan of McGinn at Aston Villa for three or four years but now looks slow and so many plays ended with him.

Johnny: Scotland have never thrived under defensive coaches. Clarke has no concept of flair or guile. His tactics are simple, predictable and easily countered by average opposition or better. His team selections, in many cases, are head scratching.