Joao Felix Goal Gives Portugal Winning Start as Ronaldo Misses Chances

Cristiano Ronaldo missed several clear chances, but Joao Felix’s first-half goal was enough to give Portugal a 1-0 victory over Wales and a winning start to their UEFA Nations League campaign.

Playing in Lisbon in League A Group 4, Portugal dominated possession and created the majority of the attacking opportunities. They enjoyed more than 60 percent of the ball and registered 23 shots, with five on target. Wales managed just five attempts, only one of which tested the Portuguese defence.

Ronaldo had Portugal’s first notable opportunity after receiving a through ball from Joao Felix inside the box, but his angled effort went wide. Another attempt soon followed, only for the shot to deflect off a Welsh defender and go out.

Portugal finally broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute. Felix collected the ball outside the box and fired a low effort that took a deflection off a Welsh player before finding the net.

It was Felix’s 13th international goal in 58 appearances for Portugal.

Ronaldo continued to threaten but struggled to convert his opportunities. In the 40th minute, another Felix pass put him in a promising position inside the box, but his effort lacked power and was comfortably saved.

The Portugal captain then missed an extraordinary chance early in the second half. Ruben Neves delivered a precise cross into the six-yard area, with the goalkeeper out of position and an almost empty net in front of Ronaldo. However, his attempted touch sent the ball over the crossbar.

Ronaldo later found the net from Bruno Fernandes’ through ball, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

The 41-year-old was eventually substituted in the 66th minute after another effort was easily saved.

Wales had a rare chance to equalise in the 74th minute when Brennan Johnson struck the crossbar. They were unable to seriously test Portugal’s goalkeeper in the remaining minutes, allowing Felix’s early goal to secure all three points.

Portugal therefore began their Nations League title defence with a victory, despite Ronaldo’s failure to convert several good chances.