João Neves: «Cristiano played very well, the whole team had an excellent game»

João Neves, who scored Portugal's goal in their draw against DR Congo on the opening matchday of the 2026 World Cup, was also named Man of the Match. Speaking to Sport TV after the game, he expressed satisfaction with the national team's performance, despite missing out on a win.

«The most important thing is how we played. That will make a difference in the long run. I'm very confident in what we did. We will improve and continue to do the good things we've shown,» the midfielder commented, already looking ahead to their second match against Uzbekistan.

When confronted with the national team's struggles to create clear scoring opportunities despite high ball possession, Neves admitted the team might have slowed down after his goal.

«We played a great game controlling possession. At halftime, we talked about maintaining long periods of possession but then trying to convert, to get into finishing positions. Perhaps we relaxed a bit in that aspect after the first goal. In the second half, we had more opportunities, and we'll work now for the next game to score more goals,» added the Paris Saint-Germain player.

Later, when asked about Cristiano Ronaldo's role in the team, in what will likely be the Portuguese star's final World Cup, João Neves highlighted the captain's influence: «We know what Cristiano has done for our national team and for football. I feel he's just another player to help, he's no different. He played very well, the whole team had an excellent game. This draw won't bring us down. On the contrary, it will strengthen us. We will create more chances, score more goals,» he concluded.