DR Congo Hold Portugal to a Draw; Ronaldo Reaches Historic Milestone
In a World Cup group match in Houston, DR Congo and Portugal played a 1-1 draw. Cristiano Ronaldo became the second player after Lionel Messi to appear in six World Cup tournaments.
The World Cup Group K match between DR Congo and Portugal ended in a 1-1 draw on Wednesday in Houston.
Portugal took the lead in the sixth minute when João Neves headed in a cross from Pedro Neto. However, DR Congo equalized in first-half stoppage time. After a corner kick, Arthur Masuaku delivered the ball into the penalty area, and Yoane Wissa headed it into the net—1-1.
In the second half, Portugal's defense was sloppy, allowing Cédric Bakambu to take several dangerous shots. One of his efforts hit the goalpost.
Cristiano Ronaldo made history in this match, becoming only the second player to participate in six World Cup tournaments. Lionel Messi of Argentina had achieved the feat just a day earlier.
This is the first World Cup with 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage. The group stage runs through June 27, with the knockout rounds beginning June 28. Semi-finals are scheduled for July 14 and 15, the third-place match on July 18, and the final on July 19.
Later today, Uzbekistan will face Colombia in Mexico City at 5:00 AM local time.
The previous World Cup in 2022, held in Qatar, was won by Argentina, who defeated France in a penalty shootout.
