Jorge Jesus’ reign as Portugal’s manager began with a 1-0 victory over Wales at Estádio José Alvalade.
The new manager didn’t surprise many with his starting side but there were some subtle changes to the positioning of Bruno Fernandes and João Félix.
Félix scored in the 22nd minute but the Seleção couldn’t pull away, Ronaldo missing a glorious chance at the start of the second half.
Craig Bellamy’s side fought back and went desperately close to equalising, Portugal holding on to start their UEFA Nations League title defence with all three points.
Portugal get on top
The visitors had a bright start in Lisbon where they forced pressure with a high press, Lewis Koumas firing over from an offside position.
Portugal didn’t take long to establish their superiority however, João Félix finding Cristiano Ronaldo who shot wide from a tight angle.
Ronaldo had another chance but a heavy touch allowed Neco Williams to close in and deflect his effort wide. Rúben Dias headed Bruno Fernandes’ cross over the bar as the chances kept coming.
Félix scores
Nuno Mendes started to get involved and created the crucial goal in the 22nd minute. He got past Ethan Ampadu and found Félix who continued to be allowed too much time and space, his shot deflected off Ben Davies and past Danny Ward.
It was obvious that Félix was flourishing in central areas. His shot was deflected wide by Davies before drawing a foul from Ben Cabango that resulted in Ronaldo firing a free kick into the wall.
Wales were not learning any lessons, struggling to pick up Félix who created an opportunity for Ronaldo. The 41-year-old was unable to generate enough power to trouble Ward.
Ronaldo into the action
The Seleção should have doubled their advantage shortly after half-time. Pedro Neto did well to win the ball and release João Cancelo, his cross picking out Ronaldo who volleyed over from point blank range when a diving header appeared the better option.
Ronaldo did find the net minutes late when he got behind Ben Cabango, ran onto a perfect pass from Bruno Fernandes and steered the ball into the net. He did his trademark celebration next to the corner flag but it was cut short after VAR spotted the striker had been narrowly offside.
Wales can’t find the net
Craig Bellamy brought on Daniel James for David Brooks before Jorge Jesus replaced Rúben Neves and Cristiano Ronaldo with João Palhinha and Gonçalo Ramos. Ben Cabango picked up an injury with Chris Mepham entering the fray.
Wales missed a glorious chance to equalise in the 74th minute when Brennan Johnson raced clear on goal. A heavy touch took him to the byline, his cross coming off the bar before Koumas’ weak effort was blocked by Rúben Dias, Diogo Costa breathing a sigh of relief as he collected the ball.
Mendes blazed over the bar but Wales continued their search for an equaliser. Jordan James and Koumas made way for Sorba Thomas and Kieffer Moore.
Nuno Mendes was replaced by Nuno Tavares as the visitors continued their offensive. Portugal had lost control which saw the crowd go quiet, hundreds of supporters heading for the exit with five minutes of regulation time remaining.
Wales’ final chance saw Moore’s cross way too heavy for James who was free at the back post.
Jesus bought some time by bringing on Diogo Dalot and João Neves for João Cancelo and Bruno Fernandes, Portugal holding on to take all three points.
Jesus makes his mark
There were few surprises in Jorge Jesus’ first starting side, the subtle switch seeing Bruno Fernandes largely stationed on the left wing and João Félix supporting Cristiano Ronaldo in a central position.
Ronaldo missed a fantastic chance to double Portugal’s advantage and basically kill the contrest which allowed Wales to gain confidence and go close to equalising.
Portugal’s nervousness and inability to close the game out was reminiscent of performances under Fernando Santos and Martínez.
The big positive was the performance of Félix, especially in the first half. Jesus had hinted that he would play in a central role before the match, saying: “João Félix isn’t a player to play on the wing with me. That doesn’t mean a strategic change can’t happen during the game.”
“He’ll always be a second striker and a first striker. With time, I have no doubt that he’ll be a first striker, given his creativity and finishing ability.”
Opposition scouts will be busy analysing Jesus’ first game in charge and Félix’s positioning will be one of their priorities.
He spoke after the victory: “I’ve always been myself, I’ve always tried to do my best for the team. My position is this, second striker, and when that’s the case, things are more likely to go well.”
One of the positive aspects we could see under the new manager is continuity. Jesus knows how he wants his team to play and is unlikely to be as radical with his formations and team selections as Martínez.
Having Rúben Neves or João Palhinha in the holding midfield role at all times could offer more stability. Fernandes will need some time to adjust to a different role and work on combinations with Nuno Mendes.
It’s early days and this was Portugal’s easiest of the six Nations League games. We will have much more evidence after more challenging encounters in Norway and Denmark.
Lineups
Portugal (4-4-2): Diogo Costa, João Cancelo (Diogo Dalot 90’), Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes (Nuno Tavares 78’); Pedro Neto, Rúben Neves (João Palhinha 67’), Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes (João Neves 90’); João Félix, Cristiano Ronaldo (Gonçalo Ramos 67’)
Unused subs: Rui Silva, Samuel Soares, Tomás Araújo, Bernardo Silva, Francisco Conceição, Francisco Trincão, Rafael Leão
Manager: Jorge Jesus
Wales (4-3-3): Danny Ward; Neco Williams, Ben Cabango (Chris Mepham 71’), Ben Davies, Jay Dasilva; Jordan James (Sorba Thomas 77’), Josh Sheehan, Ethan Ampadu; David Brooks (Daniel James 63’), Lewis Koumas (Kieffer Moore 77’), Brennan Johnson
Unused subs: Dai Cornell, Tom King, Connor Roberts, Rhys Norrington-Davies,, Joel Colwill, Wes Burns, Liam Cullen, Mark Harris
Manager: Craig Bellamy
Goals:
[1-0] João Félix 22’
