DR Congo Hold Portugal in Opening Match

Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by a surprisingly strong DR Congo side in their opening World Cup match.

Midfielder Joao Neves gave Portugal a sixth‑minute lead, but the Portuguese team could not translate their possession advantage into clear goal‑scoring chances.

In the fifth minute of first‑half stoppage time, Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa was left unmarked and met Arthur Masuaku’s cross from six yards, heading the ball into the net for DR Congo’s first World Cup goal.

In their only previous appearance in 1974, the nation – then called Zaire – lost all three matches by a combined score of 14‑0.

Now ranked 46th in the world, DR Congo proved to be a much tougher opponent than expected 52 years later, earning a valuable point with solid defending and effective counter‑attacks.

Cedric Bakambu struck the post with a close‑range shot, a goal that might not have counted had the referee not called an earlier foul, and later fired another effort wide.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who is aiming to become the first player to score in six different World Cups, matched Lionel Messi’s record by playing in a sixth final, but the 41‑year‑old had to wait for a goal.

Al‑Nassr striker Yoane Wissa’s two best chances came in quick succession midway through the second half, when he capitalised on low cut‑backs by substitute Francisco Conceicao, but both shots went wide.

Despite their talent, Portugal’s only shot on target in the match was Neves’ headed finish from Pedro Neto’s left‑wing cross, the third and fourth attempts by the Portuguese side respectively.