DR Congo produced a spirited performance to earn a 1-1 draw against Portugal in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup, frustrating Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates.
Portugal made a dream start when midfielder Joao Neves headed home from a Pedro Neto cross in the sixth minute to give his side an early lead. Despite dominating possession throughout the match, Roberto Martinez’s men struggled to create meaningful chances and failed to convert their superiority into goals.
DR Congo stunned the Portuguese just before halftime when Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa rose unmarked inside the box to head home Arthur Masuaku’s cross in stoppage time, scoring his country’s first-ever World Cup goal.
The African side, ranked 46th in the world, impressed with a disciplined defensive display and dangerous counter-attacks. Cedric Bakambu also threatened Portugal’s defence, hitting the post and sending another effort wide.
The match marked a historic occasion for Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who equalled Lionel Messi’s record by appearing in a sixth FIFA World Cup. However, the 41-year-old was unable to make further history by becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups.
Ronaldo came closest midway through the second half when he narrowly missed the target twice from cut-backs delivered by substitute Francisco Conceicao. Portugal finished the match with 75 percent possession but managed only one shot on target, highlighting DR Congo’s impressive defensive organisation.
The result represents a major achievement for DR Congo, who lost all three matches and conceded 14 goals during their only previous World Cup appearance in 1974, when they competed as Zaire. Portugal will face World Cup debutants Uzbekistan in their next Group K match on June 23, while DR Congo will take on Colombia on June 24.
