Felix Gives Portugal Win over Wales as Ronaldo Misfires
Joao Felix struck from outside the box after Nuno Mendes' pass as Portugal controlled the Nations League opener and Wales struggled to create chances.
- On Thursday, September 24, 2026, Portugal opened its UEFA Nations League title defense against Wales at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, with Joao Felix scoring in the 22nd minute for a 1-0 lead.
- Head coach Jorge Jesus took charge of Portugal for the first time following Roberto Martinez's exit, while Wales entered the match on a four-match winless streak under manager Craig Bellamy.
- Veteran superstar Cristiano Ronaldo went close early on before teammate Felix broke the deadlock, aided by left-back Nuno Mendes who set up the strike past Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward.
- Portugal maintained their 1-0 advantage through the first half; Ronaldo faced heckling from Welsh fans who mockingly called him a 'poor man's Gareth Bale' following his visible frustration.
- Aiming to reach the 1,000-goal career milestone, the Al-Nassr forward sits 21 goals away; Ronaldo remains the all-time leading international scorer with 146 goals amid ongoing retirement speculation.
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Technician Jorge Jesus began his career as coach of selections with his first win for Portugal, this Thursday, 1 to 0 over Wales, in the first round of Group D, of the League of Nations. Even with medallions like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha headlines, was João Félix the goal manager of the match. At the end of the duel, the Portuguese coach showed that he follows with the high demand. Even celebrating the victory, he stressed …
Gabriel Alves exalts the cooperation between Felix and Ronaldo and the solidity given by Rúben Dias. However, he notes that Bruno Fernandes had to sacrifice freedom to fulfill Jesus' plan.
With an indefatigable Cristiano Ronaldo on the court, Portugal goes after the title of another Nations League in Europe.
UEFA Nations League: Felix gives Portugal win over Wales as Ronaldo misfires
Joao Felix scored the only goal as Portugal secured a 1-0 home victory over Wales in their opening UEFA Nations League match, despite Ronaldo misfiring. Read More: https://punchng.com/uefa-nations-league-felix-gives-portugal-win-over-wales-as-ronaldo-misfires/
Cristiano Ronaldo was named center forward and had some chances to score.
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