Portugal Stumble Against Congo, Ronaldo Fails to Score
Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in the World Cup, despite an early goal and dominating possession. Cristiano Ronaldo took three close-range shots but missed all, as Congo equalised in first-half stoppage time.
Match Overview
Portugal took the lead in the sixth minute when João Neves headed home from Pedro Neto's cross. After scoring, the Portuguese slowed the pace, controlling 80% of possession and stifling Congo's counterattacks.
Despite having the ball less often, Congo managed six shots on target, two hitting the woodwork. Their hard work paid off in first-half stoppage time: from a corner, Arthur Masuaku played the ball into the box, and unnoticed Yoane Wissa headed it just under the bar to equalise. This was DR Congo's first ever World Cup finals goal.
Second Half and Ronaldo's Misses
In the second half, Portugal continued to dominate, but Congo's dangerous moments became rarer. Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41-year-old striker, had three close-range efforts, but none found the net. The match ended 1-1.
Lineups and Discipline
Portugal: Costa – Cancelo, Araújo, Veiga, Mendes (Semedo 72') – Neves, Vitinha (Ramos 83') – Silva (Conceição 45'), Fernandes, Neto (Léan 72') – Ronaldo. DR Congo: Mpasi-Nzau – Masuaku (J. Kayembe 74'), Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Van Bisaka (Kalulu 85') – E. Kayembe (Pickel 74'), Moutoussamy, Mukau (Sadiki 57') – Bakambu (Banza 85'), Wissa. Bookings: Silva, Semedo, Araújo (Portugal); Mbemba (Congo). Referee: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (Qatar).
