When Cristiano Ronaldo broke free on the 59th minute to latch onto Bruno Fernandes‘ pass and slotted the ball past Ward, the entire stadium erupted with the iconic “Siiii!” celebration. However, the VAR intervened and disallowed what would have been the 980th goal of Ronaldo’s career, the cold-hearted technology denying the moment.
Despite this setback, Portugal still kicked off their UEFA Nations League 2026-27 campaign with a victory. João Félix scored the only goal of the match against Wales in the 22nd minute, securing the three points for the hosts.
Ronaldo was still expected to leave the pitch with a goal to his name but squandered a golden opportunity, failing to connect with a cross from the flank just a few meters out while jumping.
UEFA Nations League 2026-27
Portugal 1–0 Wales (1–0)
Goals: Félix J., 22 (1–0)
Portugal lineup: Costa D.; Dias R.; Veiga; Mendes N. (Tavares N., 78); Cancelo (Dalot, 90); Vitinha F.; Fernandes B. (Neves J.P., 90); Félix J.; Neves R. (Palhinha, 68); Ronaldo (Ramos G., 68); Pedro Neto
Substitutions: Palhinha (from 68); Ramos G. (from 68); Tavares N. (from 78); Dalot (from 90); Neves J.P. (from 90)
Reserves: Rui Silva; Suárez C.; Araujo T.; Silva B.; Conceição F.; Trincão; Leão R.
Wales lineup: Ward D.; Williams N.; Davies B.; Kabango (Mefam, 71); Da Silva D.-J.; Ampadu; James (Thomas S., 77); Shién; Johnson B.-N.; Brooks D. (James D., 63); Koomas (Moore K., 77)
Substitutions: James D. (from 63); Mefam (from 71); Moore K. (from 77); Thomas S. (from 77)
Reserves: Cornell; King T.; Roberts K.; Norrington-Davies; Burns; Colwill J.; Callen L.; Harris M.
Yellow cards: Kabango 70
