Portugal and captain Cristiano Ronaldo were held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo as the Central African nation marked its return to the FIFA World Cup after a 52-year absence with a spirited performance.
The match appeared set to favour Portugal early on when Joao Neves put the Europeans ahead inside six minutes. Pedro Neto delivered a precise cross into the box and Neves rose highest to head home from close range, giving one of the tournament favourites an ideal start.
However, DR Congo refused to be overawed and gradually grew into the contest, frustrating Portugal for long periods. Despite their early breakthrough, the Portuguese failed to build on their advantage, with Neves’ goal proving to be their only effort on target throughout the encounter.
The result handed DR Congo a historic point on their return to football’s biggest stage, while Portugal were left to reflect on a missed opportunity after surrendering an early lead.
Portugal, led by 41-year-old Ronaldo looking to score in his sixth World Cup, dominated possession as DR Congo sat back and soaked up the pressure for much of the match, looking to strike on the counter in the Group K encounter.
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DR Congo grew into the game and were rewarded deep in first-half stoppage time when an unmarked Yoane Wissa scored the African nation’s first-ever goal at a World Cup when he headed in a cross whipped into the box from Arthur Masuaku.
Portugal came out for the second half with more urgency after an opening period that lacked intensity and at times more resembled a training session with their formidable midfield knocking the ball around but with nothing to show for it.
Cedric Bakambu came close to an upset when he struck the post for the Congolese in the second period, while Ronaldo twice fired wide from close range as he appeared at a sixth World Cup, a record he shares with Argentina’s Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo, who became the oldest player to ever start a World Cup match, was largely ineffective and saw little of the ball as DR Congo defenders denied him space to operate inside the box.
Debutants Uzbekistan face Colombia in the second Group K match later on Wednesday in Mexico City.
