DR Congo hold Ronaldo's Portugal to a hard-earned World Cup draw

Portugal and DR Congo shared a tense 1-1 draw in Houston, with the African side showing impressive discipline and resilience against one of the tournament favourites. João Neves put Portugal ahead early, but Yoane Wissa’s equaliser just before half-time gave DR Congo a valuable point in their first World Cup appearance since 1974.

Portugal started strongly and dominated possession, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading a side that controlled the tempo from the opening whistle. Neves headed in from a Pedro Neto cross in the sixth minute, and Portugal seemed in full command as they moved the ball sharply and kept DR Congo pinned back for long periods.

Even so, the Leopards stayed dangerous when chances came their way. Wissa came close with a header early on, and Cedric Bakambu also tested Portugal’s defence with a blocked strike. DR Congo struggled to build sustained attacks because Portugal compressed space so well, but they remained organised and patient.

Their reward came in first-half stoppage time when Wissa rose to score a superb equaliser. That goal changed the mood of the match and gave DR Congo belief that they could frustrate Portugal all the way to the finish.

Portugal made changes after the break, including bringing on Francisco Conceição, Rafael Leão and Nelson Semedo, but they could not turn pressure into a second goal. Ronaldo had a golden chance in the 69th minute but sent his effort just wide, and a later effort was blocked by the Congolese defence. A VAR review also ruled out a João Cancelo goal for offside.

In the closing stages, Portugal pushed hard for a winner. Bruno Fernandes came close in stoppage time, but his effort drifted narrowly wide. DR Congo held firm to earn a result that will boost their hopes in Group K, which also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan.

It was a match that showed both Portugal’s quality and DR Congo’s determination. Portugal had much of the ball and the better chances, but the Leopards’ resilience and organisation ensured they left Houston with a point.