Joao Felix was the match winner as Portugal began their UEFA Nations League defence with a 1-0 victory over Wales in Lisbon.
The Al Nassr forward scored the only goal of the game in the 22nd minute at the Jose Alvalade Stadium on Wednesday, September 24. His low shot from the edge of the box took a slight deflection off Wales captain Ben Davies before beating goalkeeper Danny Ward.
It was the first game for Portugal under new coach Jorge Jesus, and the first since their Round of 16 exit to Spain at the World Cup in July. The reigning Nations League champions dominated the game, recording 19 shots to Wales’ 4.
“We scored one, and we didn’t concede. That’s the big thing,” Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes told BBC after the match.
Felix said Portugal could have scored more: “We had 13 shots in the first half, that’s a lot. I can’t recall them having a single clear-cut chance; we had several.”
As usual, the spotlight was on Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41 year old forward, who now has 234 caps and 146 international goals since his debut in 2003, endured a frustrating night.
He missed two clear chances in the first half, finding the side netting once and shanking a volley over the bar from close range. After an hour, he put the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside. He was still shaking his head when he was substituted in the 67th minute.
Portugal’s attack faded after his exit and Wales nearly equalised late on. Brennan Johnson chipped goalkeeper Diogo Costa but hit the crossbar, and the follow up efforts from Lewis Koumas and Dan James were blocked on the line by Ruben Dias.
Portugal will next face Norway, while Wales travel to Denmark for their second group game on September 27.
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