Pedro Neto posts on Instagram after decisive cameo for Portugal

Wolves star Pedro Neto has today posted on Instagram, after he helped Portugal to take three points in their first game at Euro 2024.

Portugal played against the Czech Republic on Tuesday night, and managed to take three points despite an uninspiring performance.

The Czech Republic took the lead against the run of play in the second-half thanks to a fine strike from Lukas Provod from the edge of the box.

Portugal had dominated the ball in the contest, but really struggled to fashion meaningful chances.

But they did get back on level terms shortly after Provod’s goal, with Nuno Mendes’ header being parried against Robin Hranac for an own goal.

Portugal then pushed for a winner. Diogo Jota saw a goal ruled out for an offside against Cristiano Ronaldo.

With the clock ticking down, Roberto Martinez finally turned to Pedro Neto – and he would not regret his decision.

Wolves star Pedro Neto reacts after helping to rescue Portugal in Euro 2024 opener

Portugal had real trouble breaking down a stubborn Czech defence.

They had matched up Portugal with three at the back, and opportunities for Martinez’s side were few and far between.

Martinez might have put Neto on a lot sooner.

But he held him back until injury-time, when he then sent him on along with Francisco Conceicao.

And it took the duo just a couple of minutes to make a decisive impact. Neto was played in down the left side, and the Wolves man then checked back, leaving Vladimir Coufal for dead.

Neto carried the ball inside, before firing a low cross.

The defender failed to clear the ball, and Conceicao was there to pounce on the loose ball to grab the winner for Portugal.

Neto has been hailed on social media for his impact, with many fans hoping that he will now start the next game against Turkey. Local media outlets were also left impressed.

And the player has today sent a message after his decisive contribution. He said on Instagram: “Let’s go for more.”

Jose Sa, who was an unused substitute last night, commented ‘If you need assistance, just call’, referencing Neto’s role in setting Conceicao up.

Brilliant from Neto

Portugal were not great last night, but it was fantastic to see Neto making a big impact for his country.

It was a moment he deserved, because the 24-year-old was forced to miss the last Euros due to injury. He missed the last World Cup through injury as well, and Neto spent weeks on the sidelines at the end of the 2023/24 season for Wolves, and feared he would miss this tournament.

So it was very pleasing to see Neto have the cameo that he did, and hopefully now he can see a bit more involvement in the coming games.

He showed what he could do in just a couple of minutes, and he will surely have given Martinez something to think about at least ahead of the game with Turkey.

Rafael Leao was decent on the left side and was probably Portugal’s main threat before he went off. But there was little down their right side with Bernardo Silva, who could move inside to accommodate Neto.

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