Portugal's national football team kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in emphatic style, thrashing Armenia 5-0 away in Yerevan on September 6, 2025. The match, which saw Chelsea winger Pedro Neto start and deliver a notable first-half performance, set the tone for what Portuguese fans hope will be a dominant run toward the world’s biggest stage. With a dazzling display from both seasoned stars and emerging talents, Portugal left no doubt about their intent in this qualifying group.
Pedro Neto, who has been under the spotlight since his move to Chelsea, featured only in the first half before being replaced at halftime by Francisco Trincão. The decision to substitute Neto was a tactical one, not dictated by injury, providing relief to Chelsea fans concerned about their winger’s fitness. The move came as Portugal had already established a commanding lead, allowing head coach Roberto Martinez to rotate his squad and keep legs fresh for the campaign ahead.
Neto’s contribution, though limited to 45 minutes, drew a range of reactions from the football press. According to Portugoal, Neto earned an impressive 7.5 rating, with the outlet noting, “Only played the first half due to Portugal’s dominance. Some great bursts of pace and created Portugal’s second of the night with an outstanding ball for Cristiano. Completing 27/28 passes, he and Cancelo completely destabilized Armenia’s defensive effort. Lovely to have another accurate provider for Cristiano besides Nuno Mendes but no shots? Needs to add ruthlessness to his game.” The numbers certainly back up the praise—Neto completed 27 out of 28 passes and provided the pinpoint assist for Cristiano Ronaldo’s first goal of the night, a moment that underscored his creativity and vision in the final third.
Not everyone was as generous in their assessment. Goal offered a more reserved perspective, rating Neto a 5 and stating, “Did little to impose himself on the game and was withdrawn at half-time to be replaced by Trincao.” The contrasting reviews highlight the subjective nature of player evaluations, especially in a match where Portugal’s attacking firepower was on full display and the team as a whole operated at a high level.
Portugal wasted little time asserting their superiority. Former Chelsea forward Joao Felix opened the scoring just 10 minutes into the contest, finishing off a slick team move that left the Armenian defense scrambling. The early goal set the tone for what would become a relentless Portuguese assault. Before the half-hour mark, Neto’s deft pass found Cristiano Ronaldo in space, and the veteran striker made no mistake, doubling Portugal’s advantage with a clinical finish. The link-up between Neto and Ronaldo was a highlight of the opening period, showcasing the winger’s ability to unlock defenses and the striker’s trademark poise in front of goal.
The first half continued to unfold in Portugal’s favor. In the 32nd minute, Joao Cancelo added a third, capitalizing on Armenia’s disarray and further demoralizing the home crowd. Portugal entered the break with a 3-0 lead, having barely allowed Armenia a sniff of their own penalty area. The visitors’ dominance was such that Neto’s substitution seemed a matter of routine squad management rather than a response to any tactical shortcomings or injury concerns.
After the interval, Portugal picked up right where they left off. Ronaldo struck again early in the second half, pouncing on a defensive error to notch his second goal and Portugal’s fourth. The relentless pressure continued, and Felix completed his brace in the 61st minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the box and sweeping it home. The 5-0 scoreline accurately reflected the gulf in class between the two sides, as Portugal’s technical quality and collective discipline overwhelmed Armenia from start to finish.
Head coach Roberto Martinez was quick to praise his squad’s attitude and execution after the final whistle. “It’s important to start well, to hold on to the game, and we did that,” Martinez told reporters. “The attitude was exemplary, we controlled the game, had a good rhythm, and after scoring the first goal, it was another game we also controlled with great discipline, because we kept trying to score and keep the goal clean. Overall, it was a complete performance. It’s not easy to get to Armenia and prepare for the game, but I already said in the preview that the players’ attitude and work during training were very good. And the result came from our performance. Now, we have to bounce back well, because Hungary at home will be another challenge.”
Martinez also took a moment to pay tribute to the late Diogo Jota, whose memory continues to serve as a source of motivation for the team. “Diogo Jota is with us. It was special and a sign to keep us going,” Martinez said, reflecting the emotional undercurrent that has galvanized the squad in recent months.
The comprehensive win puts Portugal atop their qualifying group, especially after rivals Ireland and Hungary played out a dramatic 2-2 draw. The result not only gives Portugal an early edge in the standings but also demonstrates the depth and versatility of Martinez’s squad. With established stars like Ronaldo and Felix leading the charge, and promising talents such as Neto and Trincão pushing for more minutes, the competition for places is fierce—a healthy sign for any team with ambitions of World Cup glory.
Looking ahead, Portugal faces Hungary in their next qualifier on September 9, 2025. The fixture promises to be a stiffer test, particularly with Hungary eager to rebound after dropping points in their opener. The big question for Martinez will be whether to stick with Neto in the starting lineup or give Trincão a longer run, especially given the mixed reviews of Neto’s display against Armenia. Whatever the decision, the depth at his disposal gives Martinez plenty of options as he navigates a busy qualifying schedule.
For Pedro Neto, the night was a microcosm of the highs and lows that come with playing at the top level. His first-half performance offered flashes of brilliance, particularly his chemistry with Ronaldo and his near-flawless passing. Yet, the calls for more ruthlessness and a greater impact in front of goal remain. As Portugal’s campaign progresses, all eyes will be on whether Neto can turn those moments of promise into consistent match-winning contributions.
As the qualifying campaign gathers pace, Portugal’s emphatic start sends a clear message to their rivals: this team is hungry, focused, and equipped with both experience and youth. With a strong foundation laid in Yerevan, the journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is off to a flying start—and the excitement is only just beginning.
