DR CONGO STUN PORTUGAL AS RONALDO’S HISTORIC NIGHT SOURS IN WORLD CUP OPENER
MEXICO CITY — It was supposed to be a night of celebration and history. Many expected a routine march toward the one trophy that has eluded Cristiano Ronaldo. Instead, the opening match of Group K brought the first shock of the World Cup. The Democratic Republic of Congo fought back from an early deficit and held Portugal, tournament heavyweights, to a frustrating 1-1 draw. Making their first appearance on football’s grandest stage in 52 years, the Leopards faced a tough challenge as Portugal scored inside six minutes. Roberto Martinez’s side, heavy favourites before the tournament, moved the ball with ominous fluidity. Pedro Neto found space on the flank and delivered a precise cross to Joao Neves. Neves guided a clinical 15-meter header past the Congolese goalkeeper and gave the Seleção a dream start. Yet what looked like a strong display became a slow, possession-heavy exercise with little penetration. Remarkably, Neves’ early breakthrough was Portugal’s only shot on target during the 90 minutes. "We didn't create enough chances, and probably we lost that intention of scoring the second goal," a candid Roberto Martinez admitted after the final whistle. The Portugal boss suggested his squad may be suffocating under the immense burden of expectation. "But I think it's more the mentality of getting rid of the weight on the shoulders of the players or wanting to win the World Cup, because the process is trying to win against Congo first." Portugal’s midfield dominated the ball, sometimes moving it with an urgency that seemed more suited to pre-season training than a World Cup fixture. DR Congo sat deep and stuck to their tactical plan. In the stands, Congolese President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and thousands of fans urged their team forward.  Their patience was rewarded late in first-half stoppage time. DR Congo exploited a brief lapse in the Portuguese backline. Arthur Masuaku sent a dangerous ball into the penalty area. An unmarked Yoane Wissa slipped between the centre-backs and headed home. This sparked wild celebrations and gave DR Congo its first-ever World Cup goal. "It is a step forward for us to have scored this first goal and to have this first point for our country during this World Cup," said DR Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre. "We gave everything we had against the team of Portugal. We are delighted." The second half brought up strong emotions. Portugal played for the memory of former teammate Diogo Jota, who died with his brother in a car crash last year. Despite more intensity, Portugal could not solve the tactical challenge. Martinez replaced Bernardo Silva at halftime to change the dynamic, but Ronaldo stayed on the pitch looking for a late winner. **History was made at kickoff** 41-year-old Ronaldo became the oldest player to start a World Cup game. This tournament is also his sixth World Cup appearance, a milestone he shares with Lionel Messi. However, Ronaldo was mostly isolated. The Congolese defence marked him closely, and he rarely received service. He dragged his only two clear chances wide from close range. In fact, it was DR Congo who came closest to snatching all three points when Cedric Bakambu rattled the woodwork with a fierce second-half strike that left the Portuguese defence stranded. For Portugal, memories of 2022 lingered in the Mexican air. That year, they exited in the quarter-finals at the hands of Morocco, another African nation. If Ronaldo wants to win the last trophy missing from his resume, Portugal must improve. With tough Group K matches against Uzbekistan and Colombia ahead, the European giants have no margin for error.
