Bellamy Wants More From Wales After Narrow Loss to Portugal

Wales manager Craig Bellamy acknowledged his side had to "suffer a lot" during their narrow 1-0 defeat against Portugal in their Nations League opener, but stated there is "more to come" from his team.

Joao Felix's deflected strike secured victory for the defending champions in Lisbon, their first under new manager Jorge Jesus. Despite being under pressure for extended periods, Wales, hampered by injuries, finished strongly, with Brennan Johnson and Lewis Koumas both coming close to equalizing.

"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."

Bellamy highlighted the absence of key players and the limited club minutes for many of his squad. "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."

Cristiano Ronaldo, a prominent figure in the build-up, started the match at the Jose Alvalade Stadium. The veteran forward missed a significant chance and had a goal disallowed for offside before being substituted in the second half. He could feature again when the two teams meet in Cardiff in November.

Bellamy, unfazed by the attention surrounding Ronaldo, expressed his admiration for the superstar and his desire to face him again. "Ronaldo is one of the greatest players of all generations, not just this generation. 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."

Despite the loss, Bellamy maintained a calm demeanor and felt his players matched 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."