Bellamy Proud of Wales Despite Portugal Defeat

Craig Bellamy says Wales impressed plenty of people in their 1-0 defeat away to Portugal, but admits his side had to dig deep to keep the scoreline as close as it was.

Joao Felix's deflected effort was enough to give the hosts victory in Lisbon, a game that also saw Cristiano Ronaldo have a goal ruled out by VAR. The win gave new Portugal boss Jorge Jesus a winning start as the reigning Nations League champions began their title defence.

Wales spent long spells under pressure in Lisbon but finished the game strongly, with Brennan Johnson and Lewis Koumas both going close to snatching a late equaliser.

"It was a difficult game for us. We had to suffer a lot," Bellamy said. "I think that's the longest we've been in a game without the ball. We could have done more with the ball but I'm beyond proud as well."

He also praised the character of a squad missing several key players. "We have a lot of players who weren't here. That's OK, we can handle it. A lot of players who don't play, week-in, week-out. So for them to use the energy they were able to, we've got to have a big heart to be able to do that. They've always shown that and they showed that again," he said.

Wales now face a quick turnaround before their next League A fixture against Denmark in Copenhagen on Sunday. Bellamy's squad remains without Harry Wilson, Karl Darlow, Dylan Lawlor, Joe Rodon and Nathan Broadhead through injury, but he believes there's still plenty of room for his side to improve.

"There's more for us, so that's something we always look at as a positive," he said. "How can we improve? How can we get better?"

Ronaldo unsurprisingly dominated the buildup to the game at Jose Alvalade Stadium, the club where he began his career with Sporting back in 2002. The 41 year old missed a good chance and had what would have been his 980th top flight goal ruled out for offside, before being replaced midway through the second half. He earned his 234th cap in the process and could well feature again when Portugal travel to Cardiff for the return fixture in November.

Despite the star power on the opposing side, Bellamy said he wasn't overwhelmed by the occasion. "If you looked at everything that was going on, it's a £1.4bn squad you're up against, [but] I felt quite calm. The players give me that," he said.

He also spoke with clear respect for Ronaldo. "Ronaldo is one of the greatest players of all generations, not just this generation," Bellamy said. "You have to plan for him because he's beyond dangerous, even at his age. He's a superstar and I'd love to think I'd have the opportunity to be up against him again, but I don't know, maybe time is ticking."