Ralston shines as Ronaldo exits Hampden with face tripping him

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The Celtic Star

·16 October 2024

Ralston shines as Ronaldo exits Hampden with face tripping him

Anthony Ralston shines for Scotland with Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Hampden in a huff as Steve Clarke’s side hold Portugal to a goalless draw…

Players of Scotland participate in a minutes applause following the passing of Alex Salmond, ahead of kick-off in the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 match between Scotland and Portugal on October 15, 2024 (Photo by Euan Cherry/Getty Images)

Ralston’s sold display

Once again, the Celtic right-back put in a solid display for his nation. Last night was cap number 16 for the 25 year-old who with every game is becoming well-versed in gaining international experience.

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Important to note that his impressive performance is heightened by the elite opponents he was battling with. Firstly, Liverpool’s marquee attacker Diogo Jota, who he defended impeccably against.

Secondly, AC Milan’s lightning quick, technically gifted Rafael Leao entered the field with 30 minutes to play. Ralston, who tired understandably, was cautious to engage in one v one situations with the Portuguese winger.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Ben Doak of Scotland during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 match between Scotland and Portugal at Hampden on October 15, 2024. (Photo by Euan Cherry/Getty Images)

Ralston kept tricky winger Leao quiet

For large parts, Leao was anonymous, hardly making an impact on the match. There was one instance of Leao’s tricky brilliance catching the Hoops defender off guard. That was the extent of it.

A stalemate at the national stadium means it is now one win in 16 for Steve Clarke. That statistic cannot be used against him this morning. Despite there still being apathy within the Tartan Army regarding the man in the dugout, recent Nations League performances have been an improvement on what has come before during this tortuous calendar year for Scotland.

Steve Clarke must stick to 4-2-3-1

What must be said though, it has taken a Kieran Tierney injury for Clarke to change formation. If the former Kilmarnock manager remains in the role, he must stick with a 4-2-3-1 system.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts alongside Ben Doak of Scotland during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 match between Scotland and Portugal at Hampden on October 15, 2024.(Photo by Euan Cherry/Getty Images)

Defensively, Scotland look more compact, but more importantly they seem to look more free-flowing and direct especially with the pace of a natural winger in former Celtic prodigy Ben Doak.

When Kieran Tierney returns…

When Tierney returns from his long-term hamstring issue, ruthlessly it must be one or the other for Clarke when challenged with picking Robertson or Tierney. You can no longer shoehorn these two excellent full-backs into one team at the detriment of playing a more suited system which in turn benefits the squad.

Nations League games against Croatia, Portugal in Lisbon and now last night at Hampden exemplified Tony Ralston looking far more assured in a defensive four that impressed with a clear structured way of playing. Something you cannot label the defensive shape when they played with a five.

Steve Clarke looks on prior to the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 match between Scotland and Portugal at Hampden on October 15, 2024. (Photo by Euan Cherry/Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo in the huff

Meanwhile, the result ended with footballing icon Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the field in one big huff. Arriving in Scotland from Saudi, his best moment of the week came at Cameron House in Balloch as he went down on a chute.

Football can often find ways of providing some funny moments. Five-time Ballon d’Or winner greetin’ and stomping down the tunnel because his team never managed to take a corner 30 seconds past the added on time is one of them.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal applauds the fans during the warm up prior to the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 match between Scotland and Portugal at Hampden on October 15, 2024.(Photo by Euan Cherry/Getty Images)

Ralston can be proud of his efforts

Celtic star Anthony Ralston can be proud of his efforts across this camp. An eighth successive start for Scotland has culminated in him becoming a reliable presence for Steve Clarke. As he returns to Lennoxtown on Thursday, and with doubts over Alistair Johnston’s fitness, we are in safe hands should Brickie start Saturday’s top of the table clash with Aberdeen.

Conor Spence