As a young player in Portugal, Pedro Neto grew up dreaming of one day emulating the exploits of his fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo and several other of the game's greatest players at the FIFA World Cup.
That childhood ambition has become a reality this summer. Neto has featured in Portugal's opening two World Cup fixtures, providing an assist in their opener against DR Congo and starting in a convincing 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan.
He has featured in those games alongside one of his idols: Cristiano Ronaldo. Now 41 years old, the legendary forward is still making his mark on the biggest stage, with two goals netted against Uzbekistan last time out.
Neto recalls watching the 2010 World Cup with a friend in the Portuguese city of Braga, and hoping to one day follow in the footsteps of those he was supporting.
'It motivated a lot,' he says. 'After that, you start to feel like you want to be there one day. Of course, you dream and say 'I'm capable of it'. Hopefully, [this summer], I will do that and help the team
In the World Cups that followed, several of the Chelsea winger's childhood heroes made their mark at the World Cup.
'Cristiano Ronaldo, of course,' Neto replied when asked to reflect on the players he enjoyed watching at previous tournaments. 'Lionel Messi, Neymar in 2018, unbelievable as well. And Eden Hazard with Belgium [in that World Cup].
Portugal next face already-qualified Colombia in their final group game in the early hours of Sunday morning UK time. A win would send them through as Group K winners.