Scotland announce October friendly with Portugal

Scotland will host Portugal in a friendly match at Hampden Park on October 14, the Scottish Football Association has announced.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be expected to feature in the match at Hampden Park. Picture: GettyCristiano Ronaldo will be expected to feature in the match at Hampden Park. Picture: Getty
Cristiano Ronaldo will be expected to feature in the match at Hampden Park. Picture: Getty
Read More
Interview: Brian McClair on his new life in a New Town

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and AC Milan’s Andre Silva will be expected to be in the reigning European Champions’ squad for the trip to Glasgow.

The match will take place three days after Scotland’s fixture away to Israel in the UEFA Nations League, with the kick-off time still to be confirmed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Scotland boss Alex McLeish told the SFA’s website: “Portugal will provide a stern test for our players, which is exactly what we are looking for in our opposition in challenge matches.

“The recent challenge matches against Costa Rica and Hungary were invaluable to myself and my coaching team, allowing us to get to know the players and experiment with different systems and this match will provide further opportunity for the team to develop.

“Our Nations League campaign will be in full swing when we play Portugal and it can only be a huge incentive to the players to have the opportunity to test themselves against some of the best in the world.”

The confirmation of Portugal’s visit completes Scotland’s fixtures for this year.

Scotland were drawn in a three-team group in UEFA Nations League Group C, resulting in two free international fixture dates that have now been filled by Belgium and Portugal.

Scotland last played the Portuguese in a friendly match in Braga in 2002, with the visitors winning 2-0 with a Pauleta double.

Scotland will face Belgium at Hampden on Friday September 7, three days before their Nations League opener against Albania.

The Scots also have post-season friendlies away to Peru and Mexico.