Joao Felix’s goal from outside the box proved to be the difference as Portugal beat Wales 1-0 in their UEFA Nations League match in Lisbon on Friday.

Portugal’s captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, who is eyeing the 1000-goal milestone, started the match as the lone striker but failed to have the usual impact he has had over the last two decades. He failed to convert from two clear chances in the first half, while his goal in the second half was chalked out as he was found in an off-side position.

Wales, playing Portugal after more than a decade, will be proud to have limited the defending Nations League champion to just one goal, and came close to scoring late in the second half, when Brennan Johnson hit the upright and Lewis Koumas’ shots on the follow-up were eventually saved.

Portugal will face Erling Haaland’s Norway three days later, while Wales travels to Denmark for its next Nations League match on September 27.

Portugal vs Wales player ratings

Portugal: Diogo Costa (6.8/10), João Cancelo (7.1/10), Renato Veiga (7.3/10), Rúben Dias (7.2/10), Nuno Mendes (7.6/10), Rúben Neves (6.9/10), Vitinha (7.0/10), Bruno Fernandes (7.4/10), Pedro Neto (7.1/10), Cristiano Ronaldo (6.7/10), João Félix (8.1/10)

Subs: Gonçalo Ramos (6.5/10), João Palhinha (6.6/10), Nuno Tavares (6.3/10), Diogo Dalot (6.2/10), João Neves (6.1/10)

Wales: Danny Ward (7.8/10), Neco Williams (6.6/10), Ben Cabango (6.3/10), Ben Davies (6.7/10), Jay Dasilva (6.4/10), Jordan James (6.5/10), Josh Sheehan (6.6/10), Ethan Ampadu (6.8/10), Lewis Koumas (6.2/10), Brennan Johnson (6.4/10), David Brooks (6.1/10)

Subs: Daniel James (6.5/10), Chris Mepham (6.3/10), Sorba Thomas (6.2/10), Kieffer Moore (6.4/10)