Wales were beaten 1-0 by Portugal in Lisbon but can take plenty of encouragement from a performance in which they competed bravely against one of Europe's most talented sides. Craig Bellamy's side were undone by Joao Felix's deflected first-half strike, but there were encouraging performances across the pitch, particularly from some of the younger players.
Koumas leads the line with maturity
Lewis Koumas was the standout performer, leading the line with impressive maturity and showing that he can be trusted at this level despite his relative inexperience. The 21-year-old earned the highest rating of any Wales player, demonstrating real strength against a physical Portugal defence, working tirelessly and showing willingness to run beyond the back line.
Koumas should have scored in the second half, but he and substitute Dan James got in each other's way with the goal at their mercy.
Individual performances
Danny Ward was rated 5 after needing to do better with the goal. Felix's shot took a deflection off Ben Davies, but Ward was sluggish getting down to it and will feel he should have kept it out. He did save the efforts that were hit straight at him afterwards.
Neco Williams earned a 7 for his work at both ends of the pitch, producing a superb defensive intervention to get in the way of Cristiano Ronaldo's shot during a Portugal break, while also getting forward and helping Wales threaten.
Ben Cabango was rated 6, very good in the air and dealing with a number of balls into the Wales box, although he allowed a few Portuguese attackers to run off his shoulder and Ronaldo was able to get in behind him on occasions. Ben Davies also received a 6, unlucky that his deflection saw the Joao Felix shot loop beyond Ward for the only goal, but he put his body on the line throughout and produced a number of important blocks and interventions.
Jay Dasilva was rated 7, sticking to his task really well against a dangerous Portugal attack. He produced an excellent tackle to deny Pedro Neto when he burst into the box and came out of the evening with plenty of credit.
Midfield and attack ratings
Josh Sheehan was rated 5 after failing to impact the game nearly enough in possession. There were occasions when a more positive forward pass was available but Wales went backwards instead, while one poor pass early in the second half almost opened the door for Portugal. Ethan Ampadu also received a 5, solid without being spectacular, although he did provide a threat from set pieces and his long throw helped create an early chance for Cabango.
Jordan James earned a 6 for pressing really well from the front and helping Wales make such a positive start to the game. He showed some positive flashes in attack, including the superb pass which sent Brennan Johnson through for Wales' best chance. Johnson was also rated 6, doing well getting in behind the Portugal defence and coming desperately close to an equaliser. He lifted a clever effort over the goalkeeper after being played through by Jordan James, only to see it clip the crossbar.
David Brooks was rated 5, too quiet for one of Wales' most influential players. There were flashes of quality but he struggled to impose himself on the game, and Wales will need more from him in matches like this.
Substitutes make an impact
Dan James, who replaced Brooks in the 63rd minute, was rated 6 after adding real energy and bite to Wales' attack. He was involved in that extraordinary second-half chance, although he and Koumas got in each other's way, and he caused Portugal problems with his pace.
Kieffer Moore, on for Koumas in the 77th minute, was also rated 6 after winning a few headers and finding some nice positions beyond the Portugal defence. He gave Wales a different outlet as they searched for an equaliser late on.
Sorba Thomas, who came on for Jordan James in the 77th minute, was rated 5. He got into some decent areas after coming on but couldn't make the most of them, with a couple of errant passes later in the game taking the gloss off an otherwise energetic cameo.
