Cristiano Ronaldo made a shambolic start to disappoint his fans as ongoing FIFA World Cup delivered another shock on Wednesday when tournament’s heavy favourites Portugal were held to a stunning 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo at Houston Stadium.
After Ronaldo’s arch-rival Messi, who scored a stunning hattrick a day before, made a sublime start his fans were expecting the Portuguese would match the performance as he has done throughout his life. But the age seemed to defy the 41-year-old as his fans were appalled by a horror show.
The match, however, began exactly as the script dictated, with Portugal dictating the tempo and breaking through just six minutes in. Pedro Neto delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, finding João Neves, who powered a precise header past the goalkeeper.
However, instead of using the early momentum to bury the underdogs, Roberto Martínez’s squad lost their attacking edge, settling into a pattern of aimless possession without genuine penetration.
Sensing Portugal’s complacency, DR Congo grew in confidence, defending resolutely and waiting for their moments to counter-attack. The Leopards’ persistence paid off deep into first-half stoppage time when Arthur Masuaku floated a teasing cross toward the back post, allowing an unmarked Yoane Wissa to rise up and head home the equaliser.
This was far more than just a goal. It was a monumental piece of history.
Returning to the World Cup stage for the first time in 52 years, having last appeared as Zaire in 1974, Wissa’s 45+5′ header marked DR Congo’s first-ever goal at the tournament, and the eventual 1-1 final scoreline secured the African nation’s very first World Cup point.
The result would look even greater in historical perspective as Zaire conceded 14 goals from three matches in their ill-fated previous campaign that was marred with political influences and things outside the playing field.
The result also cast a harsh spotlight on Ronaldo. Heavily marshalled by the Congolese defence, Ronaldo was limited to a mere 25 touches and failed to register a single shot on target.
He missed two glorious close-range opportunities in the second half, extending an unwanted drought that has seen him go ten consecutive matches at major international tournaments without finding the back of the net.
Despite the tireless and at times forced efforts of his teammates to provide him with service, his presence often seemed to disrupt Portugal’s natural attacking rhythm, raising rather than helping it.
Looking ahead, this disjointed performance raises massive red flags for Portugal’s tournament aspirations. While they are still expected to advance out of Group K, their inability to translate overwhelming possession into clinical finishing is a familiar ghost that could haunt them in the knockout stages.
If Martínez cannot find a way to inject pace and ruthlessness into their attack, they risk a premature exit similar to their departure in Qatar 2022. Conversely, DR Congo has proven they are far more than just participants making up the numbers.
With their newfound confidence, tactical discipline, and historic point, they have established themselves as a resilient and dangerous wildcard capable of upsetting football’s traditional elite.
