Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-equalling sixth World Cup began on a disappointing note as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo in their Group K opener on Wednesday.
Yoane Wissa’s equaliser cancelled out an early strike from João Neves, as DR Congo — appearing at their first World Cup finals since 1974 when the country competed as Zaire — earned a historic first point at the tournament and matched the European side for large spells of the contest.
Ronaldo, 41, struggled to influence the game, failing to replicate the headline impact of long-time rival Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria a day earlier.
Portugal made a bright start, with Neves heading home from Pedro Neto’s cross in the sixth minute, but despite dominating possession, they were unable to convert their superiority into further goals.
DR Congo, however, grew into the match and stunned Portugal in first-half stoppage time when Wissa rose unmarked to head past Diogo Costa, sparking jubilant celebrations from players and fans as he scored his country’s first-ever World Cup goal.
The result carried added significance for the African side, whose preparations were reportedly disrupted by an Ebola outbreak back home.
Portugal players also wore wristbands provided by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash last year.
Earlier, Portugal thought they had extended their lead when João Cancelo’s overhead effort was ruled out for offside, while DR Congo came close through veteran striker Cédric Bakambu, whose effort struck the post after holding off Bruno Fernandes.
Ronaldo had two clear chances in the second half, both set up by Francisco Conceição, but failed to convert, sending one effort wide and spurning another promising opportunity.
Despite late pressure, Portugal were unable to find a winner, with frustration evident as Conceição reacted angrily after a stoppage-time set-piece was not awarded, leaving both sides to settle for a point in their opening Group K fixture.
