Pedro Neto was unable to put in an impressive display on Tuesday despite Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in the 2026 World Cup.
The Chelsea winger started the match against the Central Asian side and helped his nation go 3-0 up at half-time.
However, the 26-year-old would only play the first half, with Roberto Martinez hauling him off at the break.
As a result, the Portuguese media have taken the opportunity to slam his display as they labelled the Chelsea player as one of the worst players on the pitch for the European side.
Neto had previously put in a strong display against the Democratic Republic of Congo last week as he picked up an assist in the 1-1 draw.
Now, his place in the starting XI may be at risk ahead of Portugal’s final group game against Colombia.
Neto had a tricky 2025-26 season at Chelsea.
The winger only picked up 11 goal contributions in 34 Premier League games as the Blues missed out on Europe.
Now, his inconsistent form has seemingly continued in the World Cup after he failed to make an impact against Uzbekistan.
When reviewing his performance, Sicnoticias gave him the joint-lowest rating of any Portugal player at five, before writing: “Unlike what happened against Congo, Neto was positioned on 'his' right flank to dismantle the five-man defensive line presented by Uzbekistan.
“Despite drawing a yellow card from Khamrobekov in the 14th minute, the left-footed winger failed to capitalize on the opportunity to deliver a convincing performance in line with his opening match.
“Just as he did against Congo, Martinez used the halftime break to replace the right winger (Bernardo had previously been sacrificed), bringing Conceicao back into the game.”
According to Fotmob on 24 June, Neto certainly did not set the world alight against Uzbekistan.
The winger did not create a single chance or have a shot against the Asian outfit and failed to deliver a single successful cross.
Overall, Neto did not have any effect in the final third and was perhaps rightly taken off at the break.
It remains to be seen if the Chelsea star will be able to retain his place in the starting XI when Portugal plays Colombia later this week.
Martinez’s men need a victory if they are to top the group, but a draw would guarantee them a second-place finish.
As it stands, Portugal are set to face Ghana in the round of 32 on 3 July, which could set up a mouthwatering round of 16 tie against Spain, who are currently set to face Austria in the first knockout round.
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Source: Football Insider
