Portugal were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against an impressive DR Congo side in their opening Group K fixture at the FIFA World Cup, as Roberto Martinez’s men failed to turn possession into meaningful chances.
The Europeans made an ideal start and took the lead inside six minutes. Midfielder Joao Neves rose highest to meet a cross and guided his header into the net, giving Portugal early control of the contest. From that point onward, they dominated the ball and dictated the tempo, but their attacking play lacked the cutting edge needed to put the match beyond reach.
Despite enjoying around 75 percent possession, Portugal struggled to create opportunities in the final third. DR Congo remained organised defensively and looked dangerous whenever they broke forward. Their disciplined structure frustrated one of the tournament’s most talented squads and gradually increased their confidence as the first half progressed.
The African nation found a deserved equaliser deep into first half added time. Arthur Masuaku delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area, where Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa escaped his marker and powered a header beyond goalkeeper Diogo Costa from close range. The strike carried historic significance as it became DR Congo’s first ever goal at a World Cup finals tournament.
DR Congo, appearing in the competition for the first time since 1974 when they competed as Zaire, showed how far they have progressed over the last five decades. Ranked 46th in the world, they looked composed throughout and created several promising moments of their own.
Cedric Bakambu came close to giving his side the lead when he struck the post from close range, although play had already been halted for a foul. He also missed another opportunity later in the match as Portugal’s defence struggled to deal with the counter attack.
Much of the attention before kickoff centred on Cristiano Ronaldo, who equalled Lionel Messi by appearing in a sixth World Cup finals. At 41 years and 132 days, he also became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match. However, the Portuguese captain was unable to make history by scoring in six different editions of the tournament.
His best opportunities arrived midway through the second half when substitute Francisco Conceicao picked him out twice with low deliveries, but Ronaldo narrowly missed the target on both occasions.
While many expected Ronaldo to grab the headlines, it was Wissa who delivered the defining moment, helping DR Congo secure a memorable point and making a strong statement in their return to football’s biggest stage.
