Ronaldo’s Sixth World Cup Begins in Frustration as DRC Claim Historic Point

By Samuel Akpan

Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-equalling sixth World Cup got off to a frustrating start as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by a determined Democratic Republic of Congo side that secured their first-ever point at the finals.

The Group K opener in Wednesday’s match saw Joao Neves give Portugal an early lead, only for Yoane Wissa to head an equaliser that sparked wild celebrations among the Congolese players, bench and fans.

DRC, appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 1974 when the country was known as Zaire, more than matched their illustrious opponents despite disrupted preparations caused by the Ebola outbreak back home.

Ronaldo, aged 41, struggled to influence proceedings in the way Lionel Messi had done a day earlier with a hat-trick against Algeria, remaining largely peripheral throughout.

Portugal dominated possession after Neves powered home a header from Pedro Neto’s cross in the sixth minute, but they lacked a clinical edge in front of goal.

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Wissa rose unmarked to nod past goalkeeper Diogo Costa, registering DRC’s first-ever World Cup goal and earning his country their maiden point at the tournament.

Some Portugal players wore special wristbands presented by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro as a tribute to their late teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash last year.

Former Portugal defensive stalwart Pepe watched from the VIP seats and appeared far from impressed with the performance.

Bernardo Silva, who had completed a free transfer to Real Madrid earlier in the day, started on the bench and was only introduced after manager Roberto Martinez made changes at half-time.

Joao Cancelo thought he had restored the lead with a spectacular overhead kick, but the effort was disallowed for offside, briefly misleading even Silva into premature celebration.

DRC continued to threaten on the counter. Veteran striker Cedric Bakambu, 35, shrugged off Bruno Fernandes before seeing his shot come back off the near post.

Ronaldo finally found space when Francisco Conceicao delivered a pass, but the captain fired wide.

The same pair combined again minutes later, only for Ronaldo to miss the target once more.

Portugal appealed in vain for a late corner that was not awarded, prompting Conceicao to slam the ball into the ground in visible frustration as the European side failed to secure the three points they had expected from their opening fixture.