Do Wales have what it takes to survive League A?

Craig Bellamy says he will have to use his squad as Wales shift their focus to Sunday's contest with Denmark.

Wales were largely outclassed by Portugal in Lisbon in their Nations League opener.

Although they came close to earning what would have been a shock point at Estadio Jose Alvalade, Bellamy's side are ultimately pointless and have little time to ponder what could have been as they head to Copenhagen.

So what comes next, and can Wales get the positive result they so desperately crave in Nations League A? BBC Sport Wales takes a closer look.

As Bellamy said himself, Wales had to "suffer" for long periods as Portugal dominated possession.

"I thin that's the longest we've been in a game without the ball," said Bellamy.

"I'm not saying that possession is everything, that's far from it.

"But the more you're on the ball, the less you're defending, so we had to defend a lot. I thought we'd done that very well at times."

Wales' 38.5% possession in Lisbon was the lowest they have mustered since the 3-0 loss to England at Wembley nearly a year ago, when they had just 36.4% of the ball.

Naturally, Portugal's talented squad - worth £1.4bn according to Bellamy - were always going to be the aggressors and dictators of the game.

But there was a hint - even if only out of necessity - that Bellamy and Wales were happy to adapt from the head coach's usual methods.

"When we played England in the friendly, I thought that was the lesson where you come up against a top team you're not going to dominate possession," former Wales striker Nathan Blake told the BBC's Feast of Football podcast.

"As much as you want to, you're ranked 38th, they're ranked fifth for a reason, so give them the respect they're due and come up with a game plan that they're not quite ready for."

While it remains early days, there may well have been a strong influence from new coaches Alan Sheehan and Ashley Williams - who are well versed in focusing on the defensive side of the game.

"Ashley Williams will have an impact defensively, I'm sure of that," ex-Wales frontman John Hartson said on BBC Match of the Day Wales.

"He has won an awful lot of caps, and he will be well respected by the players."

Prior to the game against Jorge Jesus' men, Bellamy outlined the importance of staying in League A.

The outcome in Lisbon ultimately means Wales are without a win in five matches during 2026, and they sit bottom of their Nations League group - albeit with just one game played.

But finishing fourth and being relegated back to League B would come at a significant cost.

It would mean Wales miss out on the opportunity to test themselves among Europe's elite once again.

It would also weaken their hand when it comes to the seedings for the Euro 2028 draws.

"You're playing against three group one seeds, which is rare," explained Bellamy.

"You don't get this opportunity because, especially in a qualifying group, you have teams from pot four, pot five.

"If we finish third, we have a very good chance then of going as the top 12 seeds into the Euro qualifiers, so that's a huge carrot for us."

Lewis Koumas earned plenty of plaudits following his encouraging display against Portugal.

"What I loved was his energy, his willingness and fearlessness to say I am going to run, I am going to press," said former Wales forward Robert Earnshaw.

"You could just see the moments that could turn into chances and goals for him. I see high potential for him."

But Brennan Johnson struggled to make an impact as fans were once again left questioning how Wales can consistently get the best out of the Everton man.

Kieffer Moore was wasteful when attempting to pick out fellow substitute Dan James with a cross, while Sorba Thomas was guilty of contributing to a late attack fizzling out.

Without Harry Wilson - Wales' most influential player since Bellamy took charge in the summer of 2024 - other forwards have to deliver.

The best chance fell to Koumas, whose shot was brilliantly blocked by Ruben Dias, although there is a case to be made that Leeds' James got in the way of the Liverpool forward.

It ultimately showcased that, at this level, you simply have to be more ruthless. If not, you will almost certainly be punished.

It does not get any easier for Wales.

Fans continue to debate whether Ronaldo, at 41 years old and firmly past his incredible prime, is becoming something of a hindrance to Portugal's methods.

But there will be no such concerns when Wales lock horns with Denmark and Norway.

The likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Mikkel Damsgaard and Patrick Dorgu could feature for the Danes in Copenhagen this weekend.

As for the Norwegians, much like Wales with Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey at their peak under Chris Coleman, they are much more than just the star duo of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard.

Both sides are remarkably well drilled but also possess plenty of top talent to go with it.

It quite frankly represents a brutal welcome back to League A, although Bellamy would not want it any other way.