Ethan Ampadu urges Wales to improve after Nations League defeat by Portugal

Leeds United player Ethan Ampadu has called for higher standards from Wales after their winless run continued with a 1-0 Nations League defeat by Portugal in Lisbon.

Joao Felix scored the only goal of the match in the first half, with his long-range effort taking a deflection off Ben Davies and wrongfooting Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward.

Wales spent long periods under pressure as Portugal controlled much of the game, but Craig Bellamy’s side remained committed and continued to compete.

Their strongest spell came during the final 15 minutes, when Wales pushed forward in search of an equaliser and created opportunities to rescue a point.

Brennan Johnson came closest to levelling when his effort struck the crossbar. Lewis Koumas also had a chance from the rebound, but Portugal defender Ruben Dias made a crucial last-ditch intervention to prevent him from scoring.

Ampadu said the result had left the Wales squad frustrated, while accepting they needed to produce more in the matches to come.

“We know it was going to be a tough game against very good opposition with a lot of quality, which they showed at times,” Ampadu told BBC Sport.

“We knew we were going to have to suffer but we wanted to come here and make a real statement and impact. We wanted to show what we can do on the ball, which at times we did. But we can do a little bit more.”

The midfielder acknowledged that Wales had expected to spend periods defending against Portugal, but felt they should have made a greater impression when in possession.

Ampadu also pointed to the late chances that might have changed the outcome, while stressing the team’s continued commitment.

“We’re always going to work hard, as we’ve shown over a countless number of years now,” he said.

“There were a couple chances at the end where maybe we could have got a goal, and then that makes it a better feeling. It’s never nice to lose.”