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    Portugal vs. Cymru | 2027 UEFA Nations League – League phase – GrpA4

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        Live ReportMatch Summary

        1. 📺 Watch highlights from the game on Cymru Football TV.

        7. AMPADU ON NARROW DEFEAT

          Ethan Ampadu spoke to BBC Sport Wales following the 1-0 defeat to Porutgal in Lisbon.

          “We know it was going to be a tough game against very good opposition with a lot of quality, which they showed at times,” said Ampadu. “We knew we were going to have to suffer but we wanted to come here and make a real statement and impact.

          “We wanted to show what we can do on the ball, which at times we did. But we can do a little bit more.

          “We’re always going to work hard, as we’ve shown over a countless number of years now. There were a couple chances at the end where maybe we could have got a goal, and then that makes it a better feeling, It’s never nice to lose.

          “They’ve shown why they compete for the best trophies, because with half a chance, they put it in the back of the net.”

        9. MATCH SUMMARY

          Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the pre-match build-up but it was João Félix who would score the decisive goal for his side in Lisbon as Cymru suffered a 1-0 defeat.

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy went into this extended international window without several key players including Joe Rodon, Harry Wilson and goalkeeper Karl Darlow. Competing in League A for the second time, Cymru earned their place on merit as Bellamy’s tenure began with promotion from an undefeated campaign in 2024.

          By comparison, Portugal were the winners of the last edition of the UEFA Nations League and named a strong squad of undoubted talent and experience under new head coach Jorge Jesus. Headlined by the talismanic Ronaldo, the 41-year-old would make his 234th appearance for his country against Cymru.

          Cymru captain Ben Davies missed the last meeting between the two nations at the semi-finals of EURO 2016 through suspension, while the performances from Lewis Koumas for Liverpool in the opening weeks of the season earned him a place in the starting line-up.

          With the odds against them, Cymru made a positive start to the match with Koumas central to their attacking play in the opening exchanges. Brennan Johnson’s pace was also used to good effect in disrupting the Portuguese defence, but it didn’t take long for the home side to settle into this opening match of the new campaign.

          After 10 minutes Ronaldo showed his attacking intent to draw a save from goalkeeper Danny Ward, and the chances kept coming as Rúben Neves twice came close to opening the scoring. Nuno Mendes was a constant problem for Cymru on the left, and it seemed only a matter of time before they turned their possession into the first goal.

          At the midway point in the half, João Félix shot from outside the area and his effort took a slight deflection off Ben Davies to beat Ward as the ball nestled in the corner of the net. The goal inspired Portugal, and further chances would follow for Ronaldo as he created three more opportunities for himself before half-time, but they could not increase their lead.

          Portugal continued their dominance as the game restarted with Félix and Neves combining well with Ronaldo, who squandered a huge chance from close range on 49 minutes. Ronaldo had the ball in the net ten minutes later, but a VAR review confirmed that he was offside before slotting past Ward for what he thought was his 980th career goal.

          That VAR decision and Ronaldo’s departure shortly after gave Cymru a visible lift and the counter-attacks increased. On 74 minutes, Johnson hit the crossbar from the tightest of angles, and substitute Dan James and Koumas were denied by Rúben Dias from the rebound as they both went for the same ball.

          With both teams making changes, the game became increasingly open in the final exchanges. However, it was Portugal that would hold on and start the new campaign with a victory. Cymru now head to Denmark on Sunday, and Bellamy will be keen for his side to show the same belief and character that kept them in this match until the final whistle.

        10. FULL-TIME VERDICT

          João Félix scored the only goal of the game as Cymru suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat in Lisbon. Despite the home side creating a number of chances, including a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo that was denied for offside following a VAR review, Craig Bellamy’s side stayed in the game until the final whistle and had opportunities to equalise. Although Portugal controlled the game for long periods, Cymru were always a threat on the counter-attack, and the side can take positives from the performance as they head to Copenhagen to take on Denmark on Sunday.

        11. 90' + 3'

          Portugal still go in search of a second goal as Félix tries his luck. Cymru have very little time left to level the score.

        12. 90' + 2'

          Substitution

          João Neves replaces Bruno Fernandes

        13. 90' + 2'

          Substitution

          Diogo Dalot replaces João Cancelo

        14. 90'

          Substitution

          João Neves replaces Bruno Fernandes

        15. 90'

          Substitution

          Diogo Dalot replaces João Cancelo

        16. Another big chance for Cymru but Moore fails to find James with his cross to the far post. That could have been the equaliser.

        17. Dan James in possession

        18. 78'

          Substitution

          Nuno Tavares replaces Nuno Mendes

        19. 78'

          Bellamy rolls the dice for the final 10 minutes or so as Thomas and Moore enter the field. Cymru will believe they can take something from this.

        20. 78'

          Substitution

          Nuno Tavares replaces Nuno Mendes

        21. 77'

          Substitution

          THOMAS Sorba replaces JAMES Jordan Anthony

        22. 77'

          Substitution

          MOORE Kieffer Roberto Francisco replaces KOUMAS Lewis

        23. 77'

          Substitution

          THOMAS Sorba replaces JAMES Jordan Anthony

        24. 77'

          Substitution

          MOORE Kieffer Roberto Francisco replaces KOUMAS Lewis

        25. 74'

          A huge chance for Cymru as Johnson hits the bar from the tightest of angles and James and Koumas fail to convert the rebound through some great defending from Dias.

        26. Craig Bellamy looks to his bench for the final 20 minutes

        27. 71'

          Yellow card

          CABANGO Benjamin

        28. 71'

          Substitution

          MEPHAM Christopher replaces CABANGO Benjamin

        29. 71'

          Substitution

          MEPHAM Christopher replaces CABANGO Benjamin

        30. 71'

          Yellow card

          CABANGO Benjamin

        31. 68'

          Cymru won’t be sorry to see Ronaldo leave the field. The talisman had a host of chances but failed to convert, and when he did, he was denied by VAR.

        32. 67'

          Substitution

          Gonçalo Ramos replaces Cristiano Ronaldo

        33. 67'

          Substitution

          João Palhinha replaces Rúben Neves

        34. 67'

          Substitution

          João Palhinha replaces Cristiano Ronaldo

        35. 65'

          Portugal still lead by just the one goal. Cymru have enough pace on the field and on the bench to do something on the counter-attack if the opportunities continue to arise, they just need to stay in the game.

        36. 63'

          Substitution

          JAMES Daniel Owen replaces BROOKS David

        37. Cymru goalkeeper Danny Ward

        38. 63'

          Substitution

          JAMES Daniel Owen replaces BROOKS David

        39. 59'

          A VAR review denies Ronaldo a goal as the striker is found to be offside after calmly slotting the ball past Ward. It stays 1-0 to Portugal.

        40. Ben Cabango evades a tackle from João Félix

        41. 49'

          A huge chance for Ronaldo and incredibly it isn’t 2-0 as the Portugal captain fails to convert a cross from Neves with Ward beaten and the goal open in front of him. A real let off for Cymru there.

        42. 47'

          The combination play between Ronaldo and Félix again causes problems for the Cymru defence. Portugal are certainly targeting an early second goal.

        43. 46'

          Cymru get the second half underway with no changes from either team. The next 10-15 minutes will be crucial for Bellamy’s side in this one.

        44. HALF-TIME VERDICT

          Only a goal from João Félix at the midway point of the opening half separates the two sides, but Craig Bellamy will welcome the half-time whistle and the opportunity for his players to regroup. As expected, Portugal have enjoyed long periods of possession, and there has been no shortage of chances for Cristiano Ronaldo, but Cymru have asked questions of their own on the rare counter-attack. Cymru made a positive start, but it’s Portugal that now look very much in control.

        45. Neco Williams controls the ball as Cristiano Ronaldo watches on

        46. 39'

          A positive play for Cymru at the other end of the field, but almost immediately the ball is back with Portugal and Ward has to get down low to deny Ronaldo as he combines well with Félix.

        47. 37'

          Ronaldo appears desperate to score his 980th career goal this evening. The Portuguese talisman hits the side netting after an earlier free-kick fails to clear the Cymru defensive wall.

        48. 34'

          A brilliant run from Mendes to get past Williams, a snapshot of the incredible individual talent in this Portuguese side.

        49. 30'

          Crucial that Cymru stay disciplined at the back now as Portugal attack in numbers. There will be chances on the counter-attack, but they can’t allow the home side to increase their lead.

        50. Jordan James battles for the ball in midfield

        51. 25'

          The pace of Koumas has caused a few concerns for the Portuguese defence when he’s had the opportunity to run at them. It has definitely been the best outlet for Cymru, but that goal has settled things down for Portugal now and they look dangerous at the other end of the field.

        52. 23'

          Félix opens the scoring for Portugal as his shot from the edge of the area deflects off Davies to beat Ward. A tough challenge for Cymru now.

        53. 23'

          Goal

          João Félix

        54. 22'

          Goal

          João Félix

        55. The Cymru starting XI

        56. 17'

          Dias with an opportunity for Portugal form the resulting corner but his header clears the crossbar.

        57. 16'

          Another opportunity for Ronaldo but Williams puts in a great block to deny him.

        58. 13'

          A chance for Rúben Neves but his shot from the edge of the area goes narrowly wide of Ward’s post. The keeper always had it covered though.

        59. 10'

          An inevitable opportunity for Portugal’s all-time record appearance holder and goalscorer as Ronaldo shoots wide from a tight angle.

        60. Lewis Koumas makes an early run at Portugal’s Nuno Mendes

        61. 5'

          A positive run from Johnson into the Portuguese penalty area and a decent opportunity for Koumas who is flagged offside. A positive start from the visitors to let Portugal know they might not have everything their own way tonight.

        62. 1'

          Referee Donatas Rumšas blows his whistle and Portugal kick things off in Lisbon.

        63. The final preparations, the anthems and pre-match formalities are complete. Captains Ben Davies and Cristiano Ronaldo have exchanged pennants. A new Nations League campaign is about to begin. C’mon Cymru!

        64. The Red Wall are making their way into the Estádio José Alvalade and Cymru will need them in their corner tonight

        65. Final preparations as kick-off approaches

        68. Ethan Ampadu will be a key player for Cymru this evening

        71. Craig Bellamy and his squad check out the Estádio José Alvalade

        73. TEAM NEWS

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy has named his starting line-up for the opening UEFA Nations League match against Portugal this evening.

          Ben Davies captains the side on his 101st senior international appearance having missed the last meeting between the two nations at the semi-finals of EURO 2016 through suspension.

          Lewis Koumas is rewarded for his impressive performances for Liverpool this season as he gets the chance to lead the front-line with Brennan Johnson and David Brooks in support.

          Meanwhile, Danny Ward returns as goalkeeper to earn his 46th cap with Karl Darlow unavailable.

          New Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has also named his starting line-up for his first match in charge of the national team and has made just one change from the side that lost to eventual winners Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup R16 as Rúben Neves replaces João Neves.

          All-time record appearance holder and goalscorer, Cristiano Ronaldo, captains Portugal on his 234th appearance for his country.

        75. Gêm 732

        77. The stage is set at the impressive Estádio José Alvalade as Cymru prepare to take on the current UEFA Nations League holders

        79. The Cymru squad enjoyed a pre-match walk around sunny Lisbon earlier ahead of the UEFA Nations League opener against Portugal.

        80. VOTE NOW – CYMRU ALL-TIME XI

          The FAW is celebrating its 150th anniversary throughout 2026 and supporters can now vote for their Cymru All-Time XI (1876–2026).

          Since 1876, more than 700 players have had the honour of representing Cymru. Now it’s your chance to decide which legends deserve a place in the ultimate Cymru XI.

          Working alongside leading Welsh football historians, the FAW has created a shortlist of iconic players whose contributions have helped define generations of Welsh football.

          Click here to see the shortlist and to cast your vote now

          A graphic which is centred around Cymru All-Time XI. This includes shield like cards which includes photos of Neville Southall, John Charles, Gareth Bale, Ian Rush, and Ashley Williams

        83. A NEW CAMPAIGN BEGINS

          The fifth edition of the UEFA Nations League kicks-off this evening as Portugal host Cymru and Denmark head to Norway in Group A4.

          Cymru are still looking for their first ever victory in League A having previously been relegated in their only campaign against Europe’s elite, and head coach Craig Bellamy has called on his players to make the most of the opportunity.

          “We have to be excited, but not too excited,” said Bellamy to BBC Sport Wales. “We have worked hard to get into League A, so what can we do to stay in it? If we do then it will help us massively and that’s the motivation.

          “You want to be in these moments. I’m telling you, when your playing days finish, you won’t remember Bury away and all that. These moments you will remember and will live with you.

          “But you also want to remember how you performed. You don’t want this to get too much. I want my players to go out and give everything. They should love every second of it. That’s the drive for this.”

        87. BELLAMY READY FOR ‘AMAZING’ NATIONS LEAGUE CHALLENGE

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy spoke to the media in Lisbon earlier this evening as his squad prepare to take on Portugal in the opening UEFA Nations League match tomorrow night.

          “The Nations League is amazing. I love it,” said Bellamy. “We got promoted, so we’ve earned the right to be here because that’s how it works. If we finish third, we have a very good chance of going as the top 12 seeds into the Euro qualifiers, so that’s a huge carrot for us.

          “We’re still finishing second in groups, we’re now in our second time in Nations League A, so we still remain there. My responsibility is to play a part in that.

          “It’s not just right now, it’s to make sure that we remain healthy and keep trying to push, we don’t dip and don’t go out like sides that I played in where no one cared.

          “We were out of the group before we knew it. There was no real interest. We just can’t go back to that and we won’t go back to it.”

          Bellamy also paid tribute to Portugal talisman Cristiano Ronaldo who also spoke to the media and reiterated his intention to continue with the national team as he closes in on 1,000 career goals.

          “For him to still keep going, you just have to sit in awe, that’s the honest truth,” added Bellamy about the 41-year-old. “The guy is incredible. We’re talking about a thousand goals. Seriously? Who gets a thousand goals? We’re not counting youth football or anything.

          “It’s just silly, and I hope he gets it, but I hope he gets nothing tomorrow. It starts after us.”

        91. MEET THE REF

          Donatas Rumšas of Lithuania (below) will take charge of the UEFA Nations League match between Portugal and Cymru in Lisbon on Thursday night.

          The 38-year-old has been a FIFA Referee since 2016 and regularly officiates in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. He was also Fourth Official for three games at the EURO 2024 Finals in Germany.

          Rumšas has previously officiated in north Wales as he refereed two fixtures in UEFA U19 qualifying in November 2016 at Rhyl and Bangor. He then returned to Nantporth the following summer to take charge of Bangor City’s Europa League qualifier against Lyngby.

          Aleksandr Radiuš and Dovydas Sužiedėlis are the Assistant Referees while Robertas Valikonis will be Fourth Official. Sören Storks of Germany will be the VAR and he will be assisted by Donatas Šimenas. Apart from Storks, all of the officials are from Lithuania.

        93. UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE IN NUMBERS

          The match against Portugal and Cymru in Lisbon on Thursday will mark the start of the fifth edition of the UEFA Nations League, a competition that began in 2018.

          During the last four UEFA Nations League campaigns, Cymru have played 22 games and have registered ten wins, five draws and seven defeats. Five of those defeats were recorded during the 2022/23 edition as Rob Page’s side were relegated from League A.

          However, the opening four games of that campaign were played during the same international window as the famous FIFA World Cup Play-Off Final victory over Ukraine in Cardiff. It was also the only edition of the competition when Cymru have failed to win a match.

          Cymru have been promoted twice from League B, and remained undefeated in both the 2020/21 and 2024/25 campaigns when doing so. The latter marked a successful start to the tenure of current head coach Craig Bellamy (below) as his side finished top of the group.

          In total, Cymru have scored 28 goals in the competition, conceding 21. The first goal ever for Cymru in the Nations League was scored by Tom Lawrence after just six minutes in the 4-1 win over the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff back in September 2018.

        96. THE ESTÁDIO JOSÉ ALVALADE

          Portugal will host Cymru at the Estádio José Alvalade on Thursday evening in the opening match of the new UEFA Nations League campaign.

          The 52,707 capacity stadium in the capital city of Lisbon is the home of Sporting CP and was opened in August 2003. The stadium is named after José Alvalade, the founder of Sporting CP, who formed the club in July 1906.

          The stadium has hosted both the UEFA Cup Final in 2005 and the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final in 2025, but one of the most famous fixtures to be played there was the match that opened the stadium on 6 August 2003.

          A friendly between Sporting CP and Manchester United finished 3-1 to the home side, but the match is significant as it brought a teenage Cristiano Ronaldo to the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson. A £12m transfer followed, and the rest is history.

          Now 41, Ronaldo is set to make his 234th appearance for his country at the same stadium against Cymru on Thursday night.

        100. PREPARATIONS BEGIN

          The Cymru squad were out on the training ground earlier today ahead of a busy international window that begins on Thursday night away to Portugal.

          Despite injuries to a number of key players including Harry Wilson and Joe Rodon, midfielder Jordan James is confident that his side will be ready as he spoke to the media following the first training session.

          “Obviously they’re the best players in the world at the end of the day, you can’t really sugarcoat it,” said James to BBC Sport Wales.

          “They’ve got Champions League winners, these kinds of things. I think we’re always underdogs. We’re used to it, so hopefully we can use that to benefit ourselves.

          “You can’t count us out. We’ve got a puncher’s chance at the end of the day and we’re going there to sort of cause an upset.”

        103. PORTUGAL IN PROFILE – JORGE JESUS

          Veteran coach Jorge Jesus took charge of the Portuguese national team following their Round of 16 exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

          The 72-year-old replaced Roberto Martínez ahead of the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign and brings a wealth of coaching experience to the role.

          The former midfielder is a well-known figure in the world game having began his coaching career back in 1990 with Portuguese side Amora. Since then, Jesus has had over 20 head coaching roles at clubs in Portugal, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Brazil.

          Taking charge of his country during the summer, Jesus is entering into international football for the first time and it will be intriguing to see how he adapts after three decades and just under 1,500 matches in the club game.

          Jesus was most recently head coach of Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr where he worked with Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo and guided them to the Saudi Pro League title.

        105. SQUAD UPDATE

          There have been three changes to Craig Bellamy’s initial squad for the upcoming fixtures in the UEFA Nations League.

          Joe Taylor, Charlie Savage and goalkeeper David Cornell have joined the squad following the withdrawals of Nathan Broadhead, Harry Wilson and Karl Darlow.

        107. SQUAD ARRIVAL

          The Cymru squad arrived on camp on Sunday evening ahead of an extended international window that will see Craig Bellamy’s side open their UEFA Nations League campaign with four fixtures.

          Defender Ben Davies (below) is the only centurion in the current squad having made exactly 100 senior international appearances, while Jayden Lienou and Cian Ashford will both be hoping to make their Cymru debuts.

        109. PORTUGAL AND UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE GLORY

          Portugal are the most-decorated team in the history of the UEFA Nations League having won two of the four editions of the international competition.

          Under the guidance of manager Fernando Santos, Portugal headed into the inaugural edition in 2018 as European champions having achieved success at EURO 2016, defeating Cymru in the semi-final.

          Portugal finished top of Group A3 ahead of Italy and Poland to reach the tournament finals. Cristiano Ronaldo was the hat-trick hero in the semi-final against Switzerland as he scored all three goals in the 3-0 win. Gonçalo Guedes then scored the only goal in the final against the Netherlands at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto.

          Roberto Martínez was manager of Portugal as the side claimed the trophy for a second time in the most-recent edition. The side were undefeated in Group A1 as they progressed to the last eight where they defeated Denmark 5-2 in extra-time.

          The UEFA Nations League finals would take place in Germany and goals from Francisco Conceição and Ronaldo would earn the side a 2-1 victory over the hosts in Munich to setup a final against Spain.

          Nuno Mendes and Ronaldo scored again for Portugal in a 2-2 draw, but Portugal would lift the trophy for a second time (below) with a 5-3 victory in the penalty shoot-out that followed. They are the only nation to have won the competition on two occasions.

        111. CYMRU IN THE UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE

          This is the fifth edition of the UEFA Nations League following the introduction of the popular addition to the international calendar back in 2018.

          Cymru achieved promotion back to League A following a memorable campaign that saw Craig Bellamy (below) begin his tenure undefeated and with it top the group ahead of Türkiye, Montenegro and Iceland.

          Ryan Giggs was Cymru head coach when the competition began in 2018 as his side faced the Republic of Ireland and Denmark. The side will face Denmark once again in this latest campaign.

          Rob Page also achieved promotion to League A back in November 2020 but Cymru failed to retain their place amongst the elite as they finished bottom of a group with Poland, Belgium and the Netherlands.

          Click here for our special feature on Cymru’s history in the UEFA Nations League

        112. PREVIOUS MEETINGS

          There have been just four previous meetings between Cymru and Portugal in a fixture dating all the way back to 1949.

          That first friendly match took place on 15 May at the Nacional Stadium in Lisbon, with the home side registering a 3-2 victory. Trevor Ford scored both Cymru goals in the opening half of the match.

          The two nations then met again at Ninian Park in front of a reported 60,000 fans in 1951. This time it was Cymru that came out on top as goals from Mal Griffiths and another from Ford sealed a 2-1 friendly win. It remains Cymru’s only win against Portugal.

          Almost half a century would pass before the two teams reunited as manager Mark Hughes took his squad to the Estadio Municipal de Chaves for a friendly in June 2000. The legendary Luís Figo opened the scoring for Portugal in a comfortable 3-0 win.

          Three players in that starting line-up for Cymru would later manage their country with Rob Page, the late Gary Speed and current Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy all named in the first XI, together with current Cymru U21 boss Matty Jones.

          However, the most recent match between Cymru and Portugal would prove to be the most memorable as the two sides came together at the semi-finals of EURO 2016 in Lyon.

          Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani in the second half proved to be the difference for the eventual tournament winners as they claimed a 2-0 win (below).

        114. SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy announced his 28-man squad for the opening four UEFA Nations League fixtures.

          The new campaign begins away to Portugal and Denmark on 24 and 27 September before the side return to the Cardiff City Stadium to take on Norway and Denmark again on 1 and 4 October.

          Defenders Joe Rodon and Dylan Lawlor are amongst those that miss out through injury, but there are welcome returns for Harry Wilson, Jordan James and Ben Cabango as Cymru prepare for their second League A campaign. Check out Cymru’s UEFA Nations League record here.

          “This is a completely different format in that we have four games in a short space of time and it’s going to test us squad-wise,” explained Bellamy at his squad announcement press conference. “We’re going to have to be flexible with the squad and I’m excited about that.

          “I love the Nations League as I think it makes such sense to me. These are top games and the quality of opposition is going to be there. The intensity of what’s going to be required in these games is top level in every single game and that’s exciting. It’s going to be a test for us, but it’s going to be a test for me too.”

        115. There is no live report available for this match

        Lineups

        Starting

          Substitutes

            Starting

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                Table

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                Match Info

                Stadium

                Date & Time

                Referee

                Fourth Official

                Assistant Referees