ไทย
English
中國人
Portugal embarked on a new chapter on Thursday as Jorge Jesus took charge of his first match as the national team's head coach, with the ever-present Cristiano Ronaldo leading his starting eleven.
The Seleção das Quinas launched their 2026–27 UEFA Nations League campaign by welcoming Wales at home in Group 4 of League A, beginning their title defense with a victory in what turned out to be a surprisingly difficult contest.
Portugal secured a narrow 1–0 win at the Estádio José Alvalade in Jesus's managerial debut, with Ronaldo partnering his Al Nassr clubmate João Félix up front—the latter netting the sole goal via a deflected effort in the 22nd minute.
Nevertheless, it was a frustrating night for the veteran striker and his fellow players, who were made to work hard for the three points on Jesus's first outing in charge.
Ronaldo's Underwhelming Display vs. Wales
Ronaldo admitted to having contemplated stepping away from international football following Portugal's disappointing 2026 World Cup exit, yet ultimately chose to extend his 23-year tenure with the national side.
Sadly for the 41-year-old, his 234th cap was one he would rather forget.
Ronaldo registered just 27 touches back in Lisbon—only one more than goalkeeper Diogo Costa—yet still managed to attempt seven shots, three more than any other player on the pitch.
His best opportunity arrived shortly after half-time, when he failed to keep down Rúben Neves's cross from barely six yards out. The delivery came at an admittedly awkward height, but a chance carrying an expected goals value of 0.5 with the goal wide open would ordinarily be expected of Ronaldo to finish.
Several other chances came and went. Ronaldo curled a shot narrowly wide of the post in the 10th minute before firing straight into Danny Ward's hands later in the half from just outside the penalty area. The latter sparked visible frustration from the five-time Ballon d'Or holder, whose irritation would only intensify just before the hour mark.
After a brilliant through ball, Ronaldo appeared to finally convert his seventh attempt of the night, calmly sliding the ball into the bottom corner. However, a VAR review ruled the goal out, with Ronaldo adjudged to have been offside when Bruno Fernandes's pass was played through.
That proved to be Ronaldo's last meaningful contribution, as Jesus withdrew him in favor of Gonçalo Ramos in the 67th minute. His 147th international goal would have to wait.
Will Ronaldo Start Portugal's Next Match?
"I still believe I can contribute to what this national team is trying to achieve," Ronaldo stated ahead of Thursday's fixture. Clearly, his new Portugal boss shares that sentiment.
Jesus opted against leaving Ronaldo out when selecting his squad for the Wales clash, likely wary of the inevitable backlash and media storm that any such omission would have triggered.
Yet Jesus now faces a tricky call regarding Portugal's remaining fixtures during the international window, beginning with Sunday's away trip to face World Cup quarterfinalists Norway.
Ronaldo's below-par performance against Wales—which earned a 4/10 rating from Portuguese publication A Bola—leaves the door slightly open for AC Milan's Ramos to step into his role.
That said, with Ronaldo chasing the legendary milestone of 1,000 career goals, it seems highly improbable that he will find himself on the bench for the weekend's trip to Scandinavia.