Portugal defeated Wales 1-0 at the Estádio José Alvalade in Jorge Jesus's debut as national team manager. João Félix scored the only goal of the match in the 22nd minute, assisted by Nuno Mendes, in a game that kicked off their Nations League title defence.

The Jorge Jesus debut

Jorge Jesus, aged 72, became the oldest manager ever to take charge of Portugal, surpassing Fernando Santos's previous record. The coach confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting lineup, describing him as «our symbol». «Each coach has their own ideas about the game, and I have mine about what I want for the National Team,» Jesus said before the match. His team featured Diogo Costa in goal, with a defence of Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga and Nuno Mendes. The midfield was composed of Rúben Neves and Vitinha, with Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto and João Félix supporting Ronaldo in attack. The manager made three substitutions during the game, bringing on Gonçalo Ramos, Francisco Conceição and João Neves.

The context of the win

The victory strengthens Portugal's impressive home record in the Nations League, with 11 wins from 14 matches. Wales, who returned to League A after an unbeaten promotion campaign last season, extended their winless run to five games. The last Welsh victory over Portugal dates back to a friendly in 1951. For captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who earned his 234th cap, the objective remains clear. «One goal is to achieve both, reaching 1,000 goals and the national team trying to win this Nations League,» said the 41-year-old forward, who has 146 international goals. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa was key to the win, making a key save from Kieffer Moore late in the first half. Wales manager Rob Page lamented his team's lack of finishing, as they missed several good chances.

The team now prepares for their next challenge, an away match against Norway on September 27.

This story first appeared at Khel Now

Jorge Jesus confirmed his main tactical change in his debut was the adoption of a 4-4-2 system. The manager explained he only swapped João Neves for Rúben Neves compared to Roberto Martínez's last starting eleven, stating the Al-Hilal midfielder is the prototype of the "more positional midfielder" he seeks. The new formation elevated João Félix, scorer of the winning goal.