Portugal took on Hungary in their sixth World Cup qualifier, and Chelsea winger Pedro Neto was given the start.
A return to Premier League action couldn’t come soon enough, but in the meantime, Pedro Neto was the sole Chelsea player in action on Tuesday night.
For the second game straight, Neto was given just over 60 minutes. When he left the field of play, Portugal were leading 2-1 after a Cristiano Ronaldo brace.
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Portugal v Hungary -World Cup Qualifier
Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates /Getty Images
But that lead would be snatched away in the first minute of injury time, when Dominik Szoboszlai exacted his revenge on Neto for what happened in their last meeting just ten days prior.
Following the match, there was a general consensus about Neto’s performance.
Fans not impressed with Pedro Neto vs Hungary
The Chelsea winger certainly hasn’t been showered with praise after that display, with many Portugal fans let down by the performance, even before Hungary’s equaliser.
One disgruntled fan felt Neto was slowing Portugal down, saying: “Pedro Neto got the worst decision making of all time.”
Another agreed: “Pedro Neto has zero gravity, you can’t have direct attacks with him at left wing.”
This fan brought Neto’s teammate into the equation, remarking: “Portugal cannot go to the World Cup with Pedro Neto and Bernardo Silva as starters, there’s no way.”
After the two were subbed, this fan didn’t hesitate: “Conceição and Félix did more in 3 minutes than Pedro Neto and Bernardo Silva…”
“Game would have been over earlier if Pedro Neto played better,” says another disappointed viewer.
“The above translates to: “Pedro Neto now with Portugal. Playing poorly, as always.”
It’s a shame to see a large cohort of Portugal fans who aren’t pleased. The result is sure to have made things worse.
This fan says: “I still don’t understand the Pedro Neto option for the national team…”
A resounding verdict.
A harsh Neto reaction from frustrated fans
After dropping points in that fashion, it’s understandable that there is a negative reaction.
But Neto was decent against Ireland, a performance that has been forgotten quickly.
Maybe it’s something that has been brewing amongst Portugal fans, under the surface, until given good reason to complain.
Whatever the case, Neto certainly hasn’t been flying this season, but he has the ability. It’s just a case of finding confidence.
With how Estevao Willian has been performing, Neto is sure to be feeling his position is under threat. Additionally, he won’t want to give his national team coach any reason to heed the instructions of fans.
Hopefully he can get back to his exciting best.