Bellamy wants more from Wales despite spirited Portugal defeat

Wales suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Portugal in their opening Nations League fixture. Joao Felix scored the only goal with a deflected effort, while a Cristiano Ronaldo goal was ruled out by VAR for offside.

The win gave Portugal, now led by new manager Jorge Jesus, a strong start to their Nations League title defence. Wales, missing several players through injury, spent long periods under pressure but finished the match strongly, with Brennan Johnson and Lewis Koumas both coming close to securing a draw.

Bellamy praises resilience

Manager Craig Bellamy described the match as difficult, saying his side had to endure a lot and that it may have been the longest spell they'd gone without the ball in a game. He acknowledged the team could have done more on the ball, but said he was proud of the players, many of whom don't play regularly for their clubs, for finding the energy and heart to compete.

Ronaldo dominates build-up

Much of the pre-match attention centred on Cristiano Ronaldo, who began his professional career at the stadium where the match was played. The 41-year-old missed a major chance and had a goal disallowed for offside — one that would have been his 980th top-flight goal — before being substituted midway through the second half.

Bellamy noted that Wales faced a vastly more expensive squad but said his players kept him calm. He called Ronaldo one of the greatest players of any generation and said he hoped to face him again when Portugal travel to Cardiff for the return fixture in November.