(Nations League) Portugal win, Scots survive

Steven Naismith was on target as Scotland marked Alex McLeish's first competitive match since coming back for a second spell as manager by beating Albania 2-0 at a sodden Hampden yesterday.

The Hearts forward Naismith, 31, had an eventful night, forcing Berat Xhimshiti into scoring the own goal that put Scotland ahead just after half-time before he scored the second goal that clinched victory, AFP reports. After losing five of their last six games -- all friendlies -- and scoring

only once in that time, Scotland needed this as they begin their latest quest to qualify for a first major tournament since 1998.

This was their first game in the new UEFA Nations League. After this result, they are level with Albania on three points in Group 1 of the third-tier League C.

Meanwhile, Portugal, secured a 1-0 victory against Italy in their Group A3 clash at Benfica’s Estádio da Luz. In Stockholm, Sweden, Turkey bounced back to win over Sweden in Group B2.-AFP/The Standard.