'Another World Cup Shock': Portugal Draws 1-1 with DR Congo... Ronaldo 'Silent'

*This content was translated by AI.

Another "shock" occurred at the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup. This time, fifth-ranked Portugal failed to defeat 46th-ranked DR Congo. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr) played the full match as a starter but remained silent.

Portugal, led by Spanish manager Roberto Martinez, drew 1-1 with DR Congo in the Group K opener of the tournament held at Houston Stadium in the United States on the 18th (Korean time). DR Congo is a team that qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time in 52 years.

For Portugal, considered one of the tournament favorites, the result of just one point from the opening group stage match was a blow to their pride. Portugal's remaining opponents are Uzbekistan and Colombia.

Ronaldo, who drew even more attention amid news of Lionel Messi's hat-trick against Algeria the previous day as his "rival," bowed his head as all three of his shots missed the goal. Not a single shot was on target.

In contrast, DR Congo wrote new history by scoring their first-ever World Cup goal and earning their first-ever World Cup point. In the 1974 West Germany tournament when they participated as Zaire, they finished with zero goals in three matches and three losses.

Portugal started well. They broke the 0-0 deadlock in the 6th minute of the first half. Pedro Neto (Chelsea) delivered a cross from the left flank, which Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain) headed into the DR Congo net. The first shot of the match by either team resulted in a goal.

However, after taking the lead, Portugal struggled to extend their lead. Instead, they were repeatedly shaken by DR Congo's counterattacks. DR Congo's shots by Yovani Wissa (Newcastle United), Cedric Bakambu (Real Betis), and Edo Kayembe (Watford) repeatedly targeted the Portugal goal.

Eventually, DR Congo equalized in stoppage time of the first half. Arthur Masuaku (Lens) delivered a cross from the right, which Wissa headed into the Portugal net. It was the moment DR Congo scored their historic first World Cup goal.

Portugal, trailing 2-6 in shots during the first half, did not find their rhythm until their first shot in the 23rd minute of the second half. Ronaldo's first shot of the day, however, missed the target.

Portugal struggled to threaten the opponent's goal even after that. Even Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)'s dangerous mid-range shot in the final moments of the match narrowly missed the target. The match ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw. While both teams shared one point each, the significance for each side was vastly different.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.