João Félix was the hero of Portugal's 1-0 victory over Wales, scoring a long-range strike that earned three points at the Estádio José Alvalade. The forward, set up by Nuno Mendes, fired home precisely in the 22nd minute to decide a match where the hosts dominated but failed to convert further chances.
The move started with Nuno Mendes winning the ball in midfield and feeding João Félix, who did not hesitate and shot immediately. It was the moment of highest quality in a game where Cristiano Ronaldo saw a goal disallowed for offside following a Bruno Fernandes pass and missed other opportunities, including a header over the bar and a shot saved by Ward. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa kept a clean sheet with several secure interventions, both with his feet and hands, and was helped by Rúben Dias for a decisive goal-line clearance after a Daniel James shot hit the bar.
Defensive solidity
Portugal's defence was solid, with Rúben Dias decisive in that moment and João Cancelo trying to create imbalances in the first half, although his influence waned until he was substituted near the 90th minute. Renato Veiga showed impulsiveness in some fouls, while Pedro Neto was a constant threat on the right, with his best action in the second half recovering a ball and releasing Rúben Neves in behind. Neves, who came off in the 67th minute for João Palhinha, later crossed for Ronaldo's wasted header. Palhinha came on well and made two important headed clearances from set pieces.
Rotation and preparation
The introduction of Gonçalo Ramos in place of Cristiano Ronaldo did not change the course of the game, with the forward having half a chance in the 83rd minute. Nuno Tavares came on due to muscular problems for Nuno Mendes and showed defensive security and attacking intent, trying to serve João Félix without success. In stoppage time, João Neves and Diogo Dalot also came on, with no time to make an impact. Vitinha had a lot of possession but few influential passes, attempting a weak late shot. Bruno Fernandes alternated between the left channel in defence and a more central position in attack, creating the move for Ronaldo's disallowed goal.
Roberto Martinez's team now prepares for the next challenge, an away match against Norway on Saturday, 27 September.
João Félix said after the match: "João Félix marcou o único golo em Alvalade." The victory, the third in the last five matches, leaves the national team two points behind leaders Colombia with a goal difference of six scored and just one conceded in this phase. The next test will be decisive for consolidating their position in the group.
This story first appeared at A Bola
