Chelsea winger Pedro Neto started for Portugal as they drew 0-0 with Congo in their World Cup opener.
Pedro Neto’s performance for Portugal against DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup opener perfectly encapsulated the nature of his game. Starting on the wing in Houston, the Chelsea forward made an instant impact by delivering a brilliant sixth-minute cross for Joao Neves to head home the opening goal.
However, despite providing that crucial early assist, Neto found himself heavily criticised by sections of the fanbase before being substituted in the 71st minute of the 1-1 draw.
They were right to point out a frustrating lack of output outside of that singular moment. Neto often looked puzzled in the final third, refusing to take on his man in one-on-one situations, and constantly slowing down Portuguese counter-attacks by opting for safe, backward passes.
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Portugal fans wonder how Chelsea fans put up with Pedro Neto
It doesn’t look good when you see Portugal fans criticising one of your own, but that’s exactly how it’s gone with Pedro Neto against Congo.
One Portugal fan said:
‘How do Chelsea fans watch Neto week in week out?’
Another questioned his ability too.
‘*Genuinely curious, how do Chelsea fans enjoy watching Pedro Neto week in week out?*‘
A third even brought up Alejandro Garnacho as well.
‘*Chelsea fans having to suffer with both Neto and Garnacho is hilarious.*‘
Lastly, this Portugal fan even called Neto ‘garbage’.
‘How have Chelsea fans put up with Neto? He’s utter garbage.’
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Pedro Neto’s stats in Portugal’s draw with Congo
Pedro Neto’s quiet evening shows in the stats. He had zero shots, three touches in the opposition’s box, zero out of two successful dribbles, 53 touches, a passing accuracy percentage of 95, one assist, one chance created, two out of four crosses and won one out of four duels (FotMob).
Let’s hope he can improve as the tournament progresses, as this was the kind of cautious Pedro Neto that we saw at Chelsea in the second half of the season.
Bring back the forward-thinking Neto who would always take on his man and put his pace to good use.
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