Ruben Dias played the full 90 minutes and made a crucial late intervention as Portugal began their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Wales in Lisbon.
The Man City captain started alongside Renato Veiga at centre-back as Portugal dominated much of the game at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Joao Felix scored the only goal after 22 minutes, his shot from outside the penalty area taking a deflection off Wales captain Ben Davies before beating Danny Ward. Portugal should have added to their lead. Cristiano Ronaldo missed from close range after the break and later had a goal ruled out for offside.
Dias denies Wales late equaliser
Wales came close to snatching an equaliser with 14 minutes remaining. Everton winger Brennan Johnson ran in behind the Portugal defence and looped the ball over Diogo Costa, only to see it come back off the crossbar.
Lewis Koumas reached the rebound, but Dias was there on the line to block his effort and preserve Portugal’s lead. It proved to be Wales’ best chance of the night as Portugal held on for the clean sheet and all three points. Dias completed his 81st appearance for his country, with Wales restricted to one shot on target during the 90 minutes.
There is now a familiar challenge waiting for the City defender. Portugal travel to Norway on Sunday, where Dias could find himself trying to stop club teammate Erling Haaland just three days after the striker scored twice against Denmark.
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