Bellamy calls for better use of possession after Wales lose in Portugal

Craig Bellamy wants Wales to improve their work in possession after a 1-0 Nations League defeat away to Portugal, while praising the effort of a side missing several players. Speaking after the match in Lisbon, the Wales manager said his team had endured extended periods without the ball and could have used it better when opportunities came, BBC Sport reported.

Watch the highlights:

Joao Felix scored the decisive goal with a deflected shot, giving Portugal a winning opening to their Nations League title defence. The result also marked a successful start for new manager Jorge Jesus. Wales were under pressure for much of the contest, but remained within a goal of the hosts and threatened to equalise late on.

Brennan Johnson and Lewis Koumas both went close to securing a draw during Wales' stronger finish. Bellamy nevertheless made clear that the performance left room for improvement. He described the match as difficult and said he thought it was the longest his team had spent in a game without possession, underscoring the demands Portugal placed on them.

The manager also highlighted the circumstances behind the Welsh effort. His squad was affected by injuries, and he noted that several of those involved were not playing regularly for their clubs. Bellamy said he was proud of the energy his players produced, crediting their determination while maintaining that Wales could have offered more when they had the ball.

Cristiano Ronaldo had an eventful evening at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, where he began his professional career with Sporting in 2002. The 41-year-old missed a major opportunity and had a goal ruled out for offside by VAR before being substituted midway through the second half. Portugal's lead remained a single goal despite those chances.

The teams are due to meet again in Cardiff in November. Bellamy said Ronaldo still required specific planning because of the danger he posed, and expressed hope of facing him again. His comments did not confirm the forward's involvement in the return fixture. For Wales, the immediate assessment combined pride in their resilience with a call for greater effectiveness in possession.