Johnson inches from Wales equaliser in narrow Portugal defeat

Brennan Johnson came within inches of an equaliser for Wales as the Everton winger struck the crossbar in a 1-0 UEFA Nations League defeat against Portugal.

Johnson started for Craig Bellamy’s side in Lisbon and completed the full game, although Wales spent much of the night without the ball against the defending Nations League champions.

Portugal went ahead after 22 minutes when Joao Felix’s shot from outside the area took a deflection off Wales captain Ben Davies and beat Danny Ward.

Cristiano Ronaldo had chances to extend the lead after the break and later found the net, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.

Johnson goes closest for Wales

Johnson provided Wales’ biggest threat of an equaliser. With around 15 minutes remaining, the Everton forward broke into the Portugal penalty area and saw his effort beat Diogo Costa but come back off the crossbar.

Ruben Dias then intervened as Wales looked to capitalise on the loose ball, leaving Bellamy’s side agonisingly short of an equaliser.

It was the standout attacking moment for Johnson on a difficult night for Wales, who were limited to five attempts as Portugal controlled much of the contest.

For Everton, the positive was another 90 minutes for Johnson and a moment which came desperately close to changing the result.

Wales now face Denmark on Sunday, giving Johnson another opportunity for international minutes before returning to David Moyes and the Hill Dickinson.

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