DR Congo hold Portugal as Ronaldo's sixth World Cup starts with draw

HOUSTON: Cristiano Ronaldo's bid to mark a record-equalling sixth World Cup with a strong start fell flat on Wednesday as Portugal were held 1-1 by the Democratic Republic of Congo in their Group K opener, with the African side claiming their first ever point at the finals.

Portugal went ahead early through Joao Neves, but Yoane Wissa struck before the break to earn DR Congo a historic result in Houston. The Congolese side, playing at the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the country competed as Zaire, matched Portugal for long stretches of the contest.

The result came despite difficult preparations for DR Congo, which were disrupted by the Ebola outbreak in their country. On the Portuguese side, some players wore wrist bands given to them by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro in tribute to former team-mate Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash last year.

Portugal start fast but lose momentum

Portugal made the brighter opening and took the lead in the sixth minute when Neves met a Pedro Neto cross with a powerful header. Although they controlled possession after going in front, they were unable to convert that superiority into further goals.

Deep into first-half stoppage time, DR Congo levelled when Wissa was left unmarked to head beyond goalkeeper Diogo Costa. The Newcastle forward's effort was described by Dawn as his country's first ever World Cup goal, prompting jubilant scenes among the players, coaching staff and supporters.

Former Portugal defender Pepe, watching from the VIP section, was said to have looked unimpressed as his country's advantage disappeared.

Ronaldo unable to make his mark

At 41, Ronaldo had a quiet game and was largely unable to influence proceedings. His subdued display contrasted with Lionel Messi's performance a day earlier, when the Argentine scored a hat-trick against Algeria.

Bernardo Silva, who had begun the day by joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, was withdrawn at half-time by coach Roberto Martinez and watched the second period from the bench. He briefly celebrated when Joao Cancelo found the net with an overhead kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

DR Congo continued to threaten and veteran forward Cedric Bakambu, 35, shrugged off Bruno Fernandes before hitting the near post. Ronaldo then had two late opportunities created by Francisco Conceicao, but sent both efforts wide. In the closing stages, Portugal believed they should have had a corner, and Conceicao reacted angrily when none was awarded, as Portugal were left without the win in their opening match.