Portugal beats Wales 1-0 in Jorge Jesus debut as Nations League begins
João Félix scores the only goal as the new era opens with a narrow win at Alvalade.
KEY POINTS
- Portugal defeated Wales 1-0 in the Nations League Group A3 opener at Alvalade.
- João Félix scored the only goal in the 22nd minute following a Nuno Mendes assist.
- Jorge Jesus debuted as head coach with a 4-4-2 system pairing Félix and Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Ronaldo missed multiple clear chances, including a close-range header early in the second half.
- Portugal's defence stayed solid, conceding few dangerous chances despite Wales improving after the interval.
Portugal launched the Jorge Jesus era with a 1-0 victory over Wales in the Nations League opener at Alvalade on Thursday. João Félix netted the decisive goal in the 22nd minute after a collective move started by Nuno Mendes.
The hosts lined up in a 4-4-2 shape with Bruno Fernandes on the left, Pedro Neto on the right and Félix supporting Cristiano Ronaldo up front. Portugal controlled the first half but missed several chances to extend the lead.
“João Félix appears to be the great heir to succeed Cristiano Ronaldo as the most relevant attacking name in this national team.”
Ronaldo, playing his 50th match alongside Nuno Mendes, hit the barrier from a free-kick and fired a volley wide before wasting a clear header early in the second half. Wales grew into the game after the break, with Brennan Johnson providing more threat down the flank.
Despite the slender margin, the defence — marshalled by Rúben Dias and Renato Veiga — remained coherent and limited Wales to few dangerous opportunities. Diogo Costa was rarely tested throughout the ninety minutes.
The win gives Portugal three points in Group A3 and marks the first step toward defending the 2025 Nations League title, with Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup on the horizon.
8 more sources below
COMMENTS (0)
No comments yet. Be the first.
RELATED STORIES
Manchester United Set to Appoint Mauricio Pochettino as New Manager
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to leave his role as USA head coach to take over at Manchester United, replacing Michael Carrick.
Italy coach Mancini calls up young players for Nations League matches against France and Belgium
Italy coach Roberto Mancini explains why he selected young players and left out Bernardeschi, Cristante and Calò ahead of the Nations League games.
Croatia faces England at Wembley with three injured centre-backs
Slaven Bilić’s side travels to London for the Nations League match with a depleted defence and a 1–0 first-half deficit.
- ATP Finals 2026 begins in Turin with record prize money and Sinner absent
- Belgium beats Turkey 2-1 in Nations League match in Izmir
- Lionel Scaloni extends Argentina contract through 2030 to lead third World Cup cycle
- CAS Court Strips America de Cali of Three Points Over Yhormar Hurtado Case
- Boca Wins Annual League Title After Victory Over Defensa y Justicia
This page was compiled with AI assistance from the outlets named above and passed an automated language check before publication. Montegre has no reporters of its own; the byline names the outlets the story was compiled from. Method and editorial standards