Portugal’s new chapter under Jorge Jesus opened against Wales with the expected imbalance in control, but the evening’s most striking image was Cristiano Ronaldo staring into the distance after a chance he would normally have converted.
A dominant start under Jorge Jesus
Jesus began his tenure as Portugal coach with his side clearly on top against Wales. Portugal repeatedly pushed forward, while Ronaldo was involved in the search for the goal that would take him closer to the 1,000-goal landmark he has long pursued.
- Portugal held a clear advantage over Wales in the early stages.
- Ronaldo sought an opening in almost every attacking move.
- Several difficult opportunities had already passed before his clearest chance arrived.
Pedro Neto creates, Ronaldo misses
The decisive opening came from the right, where Pedro Neto delivered a ball into an inviting position. Ronaldo arrived at speed and appeared to need only a simple finish, but his attempt did not match the build-up.
Instead of directing the ball into the net, the Al-Nassr forward made contact with his left ankle and lifted it over the crossbar. Ronaldo had already seemed ready to celebrate, only to be left visibly incredulous at a miss that denied him another step towards his 1,000th career goal.
