Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo slip in their debut at the 2026 World Cup
With goals from João Neves and Yoane Wissa, Portugal drew 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cristiano Ronaldo did not have a good game
The Houston Stadium was the stage where Portugal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo made their debut in the 2026 World Cup. Joao Neves and Yoane Wissa were the authors of the goals in the 1-1 draw. Cristiano Ronaldo could not rescue a Portugal team that missed a point in its World Cup debut.
Portugal's starting once: Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Tomás Araújo, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha; Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto; Cristiano Ronaldo.
DR Congo starting eleven: Lionel Mpasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Steve Kapuadi, Arthur Masuaku; The Story of the Snake, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe; Cedric Bakambu, John Wissa.
Only five minutes were enough for Portugal to go ahead on the scoreboard. The centers were one of the main offensive cards of the European team. When everyone was marking Cristiano Ronaldo inside the area, João Neves headed unmarked and scored the first goal in the World Cup. Neves is only 1.74 meters tall.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo team did not back down with the goal against. Yoane Wissa, Newcastle footballer, was one of the most incisive in attack. The 29-year-old forward created danger on the right side. Cédric Bakambu also unbalanced on the side defended by Nuno Mendes.
In the first break for hydration time, Portugal clearly dominated the match. Roberto Martínez's team took two shots on goal and dominated possession of the ball by 75%. Although DR Congo had good attacks, none of them required Diogo Costa.
In the last play of the first half, the Democratic Republic of the Congo would get the tie. The team led by Sébastien Desabre scored a goal using the same Portuguese method. A cross from the right side for an unmarked Yoane Wissa.
The Portuguese team was greatly favored by its first goal in the opening stages of the match. After that the European team had many problems in the final pass. Portugal generated good plays in the midfield, but the final pass was what prevented them from increasing their advantage. Cristiano Ronaldo participated very little in the Portuguese game.
In the first half Cristiano Ronaldo intervened little in the offensive sector. CR7 recovered a ball and had 100% effectiveness in passes granted (16\16).
Second half
In the second half the game was much more attractive. Portugal continued with its attack plan. The Europeans insisted with advances on the wings and centers into the area. In this way they were close to going ahead on the scoreboard with an acrobatic finish from Joao Cancelo. But the goal did not add to the score due to offside.
Portugal's advances left them a little exposed in defense. The last line of Roberto Martínez's club did not show much security. The forwards of the Democratic Republic of the Congo arrived at the rival goal with great discretion. The duel was for anyone in 60 minutes of the game.
The minutes passed and Portugal did not find the tools to beat Lionel Mpasi's goal. The dangerous thing about the case for Roberto Martínez's team is that the Democratic Republic of the Congo did not give up the attack. Through the counterattack, Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa made the Portuguese defense uncomfortable.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo felt increasingly comfortable on the field. Those led by Sébastien Desabre played with the score in their favor and pressure from Portugal. The African team did not give up the attack and played a really serious game at the Houston Stadium.
Portugal disappointed in its debut. After the early goal, the game looked in favor of Roberto Martínez and his team. But far from being a commitment that points out Portuguese deficiencies, it is worth highlighting the serious party of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Group K has a serious contender to win one of the places in the next round.