The 20-year-old, who was joined in the starting line-up by Wolves teammates Nelson Semedo and Joao Moutinho – wearing the captain’s armband once again for his country – got off to the perfect start on his debut for the national team as Portugal thrashed Andorra 7-0 at Benfica’s Estadio da Luz.
In a move started by Semedo, playing at right-back for Portugal, the defender burst down the wing before crossing towards the far post and onto the head of Paulinho, who headed down to Sergio Oliveira in the centre of the Andorra penalty area, who teed it up for Neto to smash home a volley off the underside of the crossbar.
A moment he'll never forget...
— Wolves (@Wolves) November 11, 2020
🎯 @pedrolneto7 pic.twitter.com/EzufshTTen
After two goals for Portugal under-21s during the last international break, Neto was rewarded for his performances in the junior categories with his first call-up to the senior side, becoming the first player born in the 2000s to be called-up, represent and score for Portugal – records that will never be taken away from the young Wolves forward.
Neto’s evening ended at the half-time mark when he was substituted in place of Cristiano Ronaldo, who himself earned a record on the night by winning his 100th match with Portugal.
🇵🇹 First player born in the 21st century to represent @selecaoportugal
— Wolves (@Wolves) November 11, 2020
⚽️ Scores eight minutes into his international career
Proud of you, @pedrolneto7! 👏
📸 @Lusa_noticias pic.twitter.com/WcqEzwW8dl
Portugal are back in action on Saturday when they take on France in a Nations League group stage match before heading to Croatia on Tuesday night.
Neto will be hoping to get his first opportunity in a competitive match for his country in those games, while fellow Wolves stars Rui Patricio, an unused substitute against Andorra, and Ruben Neves, who was not named on the bench on Wednesday evening but is with the squad this week, will also be aiming to be back in the starting line-up.
