Cristiano Ronaldo’s bid for a record-equalling sixth World Cup began with a wobble as the Democratic Republic of Congo earned their first ever point at the finals, drawing 1-1 with Portugal in Group K on Wednesday.
Joao Neves gave Portugal the perfect start, powering home a header from Pedro Neto’s cross in the sixth minute. But Yoane Wissa nodded home late in the first half to cancel it out — the Newcastle forward’s strike was the DRC’s first World Cup goal and sparked wild celebrations. The African side, making their first finals appearance since 1974 (when they were Zaire), more than held their own despite preparations being disrupted by an Ebola outbreak back home.
Ronaldo, 41, was largely peripheral, failing to match the impact Lionel Messi had the day before with a hat-trick against Algeria. Some Portugal players wore wrist bands from Prime Minister Luis Montenegro in tribute to late team-mate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash last year.
On the bench, Bernardo Silva — who started the day by joining Real Madrid on a free transfer — watched after being taken off at half-time. He was briefly on his feet when Joao Cancelo’s overhead kick struck the net, only for it to be ruled out for offside. Former defensive mainstay Pepe in the VIP seats did not look impressed.
The Congolese matched Portugal physically. Veteran striker Cedric Bakambu shrugged off Bruno Fernandes but his shot hit the near post. Ronaldo fluffed two chances set up by Francisco Conceicao, who was livelier than Silva and slammed the ball down in frustration when a corner was not given.
AFP
