Felix strike hands Portugal victory as Ronaldo struggles against Wales

Joao Felix’s first-half strike secured a 1-0 victory for Portugal over Wales as the reigning Nations League champions opened their campaign with a win in Lisbon.

Portugal, two-time winners of the competition’s four finals since its launch in 2018, controlled most of the game and registered 19 shots to Wales’ four, although they failed to convert a number of chances.

Felix broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute with a low effort from the edge of the penalty area. The shot took a slight deflection off Wales captain Ben Davies and rolled inside the far post, leaving goalkeeper Danny Ward unable to keep it out.

Much of Portugal’s attacking focus remained on Cristiano Ronaldo, as it has for roughly two decades.

The 41-year-old, who made his Portugal debut in 2003 and has scored a record 146 international goals, repeatedly drew loud cheers from the home supporters whenever he moved into dangerous positions.

Ronaldo sent one attempt into the side netting and later shinned a volley over the bar from close range.

He appeared to have scored after 60 minutes when he slid the ball into the net, but the effort was ruled offside, a decision that visibly surprised the veteran forward.

Seven minutes later, Ronaldo was substituted while still shaking his head over the disallowed goal.

Portugal subsequently lost some of their attacking momentum, with the home crowd also becoming noticeably quieter.

Wales nearly punished them with a late equaliser from their best opportunity of the match.

Brennan Johnson chipped Diogo Costa, but his effort struck the face of the crossbar. With the Portugal goalkeeper stranded, Lewis Koumas and Dan James both chased the rebound.

Koumas eventually got to the ball but could only shoot tamely towards Ruben Dias, who was stationed on the goal line and cleared the danger.

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