Wales hit bar late as Félix gives Portugal 1-0 win

Wales lost 1-0 to Portugal in Lisbon despite a late chance to take a point when Brennan Johnson struck the crossbar. João Félix scored the winner as Craig Bellamy’s side began the Nations League campaign with defeat at the Estádio José Alvalade.

A deflection makes the difference

Félix’s shot from outside the penalty area took a touch off Ben Davies on its way past Danny Ward. Lewis Koumas had offered Wales an early outlet, but Portugal established control and created repeated opportunities for Cristiano Ronaldo before the interval. Wales reached half-time still only one goal behind.

Ronaldo denied, then Wales threaten

Ronaldo missed a close-range opportunity after the restart and had a goal ruled out for offside following a VAR check. The reprieve kept Wales in the contest. Johnson then hit the bar from a tight angle, with Rúben Dias preventing Dan James and Koumas from converting the rebound. Kieffer Moore later failed to find James at the far post as Wales searched for an equaliser.

The numbers behind the narrow score

API-Football records Portugal with 61% possession and 23 shots against Wales’ 39% and five. The hosts also led shots on target 5-1. Those figures show the imbalance in opportunities even though the margin remained narrow. Ward made four saves, while Félix’s 8.2 was the provider’s highest player rating across both teams among those who played at least 30 minutes. Ratings are the provider’s assessment, not an official match award.

Ampadu wants more on the ball

Ethan Ampadu told BBC Sport Wales, in comments reproduced by the FAW, that Wales expected a difficult evening but wanted to make an impact in possession. He acknowledged the late chances while stressing the disappointment of defeat. His assessment leaves a clear challenge for Denmark: offer more with the ball, as well as working hard without it.

Denmark next

Wales now travel to Denmark for Sunday’s match. Bellamy had been without Joe Rodon, Harry Wilson and Karl Darlow for the Portugal opener. Staying within a goal gave his side a chance late on, but the next match offers an immediate opportunity to turn that resistance into points.