Sports
DR Congo holds Ronaldo’s Portugal to 1-1 draw in World Cup opener
Portugal were forced to settle for a disappointing draw against an impressive Democratic Republic of Congo side in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup.
Roberto Martinez’s men made a bright start and took the lead just six minutes into the encounter when midfielder Joao Neves rose highest to head home from close range.
Despite dominating possession for long periods, Portugal struggled to convert their control into clear-cut scoring opportunities, allowing DR Congo to remain firmly in the contest.
The African side capitalised on Portugal’s lack of cutting edge deep into first-half stoppage time. Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa found himself unmarked inside the box and headed home Arthur Masuaku’s delivery to score DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal.
The equaliser capped a disciplined first-half performance from the Congolese, who continued to frustrate Portugal after the break with organised defending and dangerous counter-attacking play.
DR Congo, making only their second World Cup appearance after competing as Zaire in 1974, showed remarkable improvement from their previous outing on football’s biggest stage, where they lost all three group matches and conceded 14 goals.
The Central African nation came close to taking all three points when experienced striker Cedric Bakambu struck the post during one of several threatening attacks.
Much of the pre-match attention had focused on Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who matched Lionel Messi’s record by appearing in a sixth World Cup tournament.
However, the 41-year-old endured a frustrating evening as he failed to become the first player to score in six different World Cups.
Ronaldo’s best opportunities arrived midway through the second half when he twice connected with low crosses from substitute Francisco Conceicao, but narrowly missed the target on both occasions.
Those efforts summed up Portugal’s struggles in attack, with Joao Neves’ early header remaining their only shot on target throughout the match.
The result leaves Portugal with work to do in their remaining group fixtures, while DR Congo will take confidence from a historic performance that demonstrated their ability to compete with one of Europe’s leading football nations.
Follow Us on Google Discover
ADC Court Verdict: Step down for Obi, support NDC – Isaac Fayose tells Atiku
Former Kwara Commissioner Adenike Adesida resigns from APC
Despite Court ruling, Atiku leads ADC mega rally in Kebbi amid massive crowd
Two feared killed, 20 abducted as terrorists attack Kaduna community
PSC deploy four commissioners to Plateau, Enugu, Nasarawa, Ondo
‘Atiku is the greatest threat to Tinubu, without him on the ballot, Tinubu will defeat Obi by over 7 Million votes’ — Deji Adeyanju
2027: Massive crowd as Shettima, Yilwatda lead Tinubu mega rally in Ekiti (Photo)
Tinubu’s visit: Akwa Ibom Police ban drones, fireworks, restrict traffic in Uyo
Akwa Ibom govt declares Friday public holiday ahead of Tinubu’s visit
After Sokoto rally, Tinubu officials held late night meeting to plot judgement against Atiku, we are gathering facts to engage Trump administration – US Lobby Firm
I will revive Calabar Port, restore Cross River tourism – Peter Obi
FCCPC shuts down food firms after oil, salt samples fail fortification tests
NYSC abduction trial: Two defendants deny involvement, beg court for release
‘He hasn’t resumed office, yet he’s tired’ — Oshiomhole takes dig at Obi after exhaustion report
‘There Is No Shaking’ — Atiku reacts to Court judgment, vows to continue ADC campaign, says APC afraid after Sokoto rally
BREAKING: Atiku candidacy voided as Court sacks David Mark-Led ADC leadership, recognises Nafiu Gombe as party chairman
How Peter Obi’s convoy was attacked in Calabar – Details Emerge
FG unveils five digital banks to receive N50,000 monthly cash support
“We cannot allow Peter Obi to fund the election alone” — Aisha Yesufu seeks donations for Obi-Kwankwaso
After Sokoto rally, Tinubu officials held late night meeting to plot judgement against Atiku, we are gathering facts to engage Trump administration – US Lobby Firm
Atiku tsunami as ADC holds successful presidential campaign rally in Sokoto
Nafiu Gombe celebrates nullification of David Mark-led excos, releases official portrait as ADC chairman
“They Are Making Him More Popular” — Reactions trail nullification of Atiku, other ADC candidacies
Petrol rises to N1,370 per litre as depots increase prices
DSS counters Atiku, says two operatives hurt while protecting Sokoto ADC guber candidate; arrested, jailed man who threatened Obi
2027: Atiku arrives Sokoto for ADC Presidential campaign flag-off (Photos)
2027: Atiku heads to Sokoto for ADC Presidential campaign flag-off
Tension as Obi/Kwankwaso supporters clash with APC supporters in Calabar, police intervene
2027: Mammoth crowd welcomes Obi, Kwankwaso to Calabar for Town Hall meeting
