Bellamy Challenges Wales to Contain Ronaldo in Portugal Nations League Opener
Wales begin their UEFA Nations League League A campaign in Lisbon on Thursday with Craig Bellamy urging his side to meet Portugal’s quality with discipline, resilience and control of the tempo at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
The fixture brings Bellamy up against Cristiano Ronaldo, a player he faced five times during his own Premier League career with Liverpool, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United. The most memorable of those meetings came in 2008-09, when Ronaldo scored twice in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Bellamy’s West Ham at Old Trafford. Bellamy also encountered the forward in the intensity of north-west derby matches while at Liverpool.
Ronaldo, now 41 and Portugal captain, continues to pursue the remarkable target of 1,000 senior goals. Bellamy described that ambition as extraordinary and believes the forward’s standing in the game will last for generations, but joked that Wales would prefer the pursuit to resume after Thursday’s contest. “A thousand goals is an absurd number,” Bellamy said. “I hope he reaches it, just not against us. He can start again after this match.”
Portugal will also be led by new head coach Jorge Jesus, whose appointment Bellamy views as a strong fit for a squad full of elite individual talent. Bellamy expects Jesus to bring the organisation and tactical structure required to get the most from the European side, while acknowledging that any new coaching regime can require a period of adjustment.
“It is the right decision for Portugal,” Bellamy said. “What Jorge Jesus gives them is probably exactly what this group needs, and what the players are looking for.”
Wales travel with significant absences, with Harry Wilson, Karl Darlow and Joe Rodon among the important players unavailable through injury. Captain Ben Davies has framed the occasion as a serious examination against one of Europe’s leading teams, particularly as it is the first competitive meeting between Wales and Portugal since Portugal’s 2-0 victory in the Euro 2016 semi-final in Lyon.
Bellamy’s side are entering their second League A campaign with a broader objective beyond the opening night. A positive result in Portugal would strengthen Wales’ position for the next European Championship qualifying draw, while an organised defensive performance could offer an important early marker against one of the continent’s most decorated international teams.
