Neto urges Portugal to 'embrace the dream' ahead of World Cup campaign Portugal's football team, led by manager Roberto Martinez, secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nigeria in their final World Cup warm-up match on Wednesday, setting the stage for their campaign in the 2026 tournament. The game, played in Leiria, saw Pedro Neto, the Chelsea winger, play a pivotal role in the victory, while Cristiano Ronaldo's missed opportunities highlighted the challenges facing the squad as they prepare for the global competition. Neto opened the scoring for Portugal in the 23rd minute with a composed finish into the bottom-right corner of the Nigerian goal, showcasing his technical ability and composure under pressure. However, the lead was short-lived as Akor Adams equalized before halftime, forcing the Portuguese side to regroup. Despite several chances to regain the advantage, Ronaldo's failure to capitalize on key opportunities became a focal point of the match. The Al-Nassr striker, who has been a central figure for Portugal, squandered multiple chances, including a golden opportunity in the first half. The breakthrough came in the 85th minute when Francisco Conceicao, the 22-year-old forward, netted the winner with a driven attempt from the right. His strike, finding the bottom-left corner, secured the three points for Portugal and provided a much-needed confidence boost for the team. While the result was not the most emphatic, Neto expressed optimism about the squad's readiness for the World Cup. Speaking after the match, the Chelsea winger emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and belief. " We come away with good feelings, two games, two wins. That's what we wanted. We dealt with our processes, things to improve. We are focused on what's coming to make the dream come true.#cristiano_ronaldo #portugal #roberto_martinez #pedro_netto #leiria
