Ronaldo’s frustration as DRC holds Portugal in World Cup Opener
The bid of Cristiano Ronaldo to score in a sixth World Cup got off to a frustrating start as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient DR Congo in Houston.
João Neves headed Portugal into an early sixth-minute lead, nodding home Pedro Neto’s cross. But Roberto Martinez’s side failed to capitalize on their possession dominance, managing just one shot on target throughout the match.
DR Congo, making their first World Cup appearance since 1974, were rewarded in first-half stoppage time.
Yoane Wissa, left unmarked, headed home Arthur Masuaku’s cross to score the Leopards’ first-ever World Cup goal.
Ronaldo, 41, started and played the full match but endured a frustrating evening. His best chances came midway through the second half, but he fired wide twice from Francisco Conceicao’s cut-backs.
The result marks a remarkable point for the Congolese, who lost all three games in 1974 by a combined 14-0.
Ranked 46th in the world, they defended stoutly and threatened on the counter, with Cédric Bakambu hitting the post.
The draw leaves both sides with work to do in Group K, but for DR Congo, it signals a new era of competitiveness on the global stage.
