Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic sixth World Cup starts with frustration as DR Congo claim a monumental 1-1 draw against Portugal.
History was made in Group K as the Democratic Republic of Congo secured a monumental 1-1 draw against Portugal. Despite a year of heavy adversity back home, the African nation fought back valiantly to claim their first-ever point at a World Cup finals.
Portugal enjoyed a dream start when teenager Joao Neves powered home a header from Pedro Neto’s cross just six minutes into the match. However, the European giants failed to capitalize on their early dominance, lacking a sharp cutting edge in the final third.
Just before the break, Yoane Wissa capitalized on defensive slackness, rising unmarked to nod past Diogo Costa and spark wild celebrations.
A frustrating second half saw a Joao Cancelo overhead kick ruled out for offside, while a peripheral Ronaldo uncharacteristically missed two late chances to snatch victory, leaving Roberto Martinez’s side frustrated at the final whistle.