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Portugal were forced to settle for a frustrating 1-1 draw against underdogs DR Congo in their opening World Cup group-stage clash, as Yoane Wissa’s goal cancelled out Joao Neves’ early strike. Cristiano Ronaldo endured a quiet outing despite being cleared by FIFA to play, while Bernardo Silva also disappointed as Roberto Martinez’s side failed to impress in Houston.

Portugal got off to the perfect start, taking the lead inside six minutes when Pedro Neto delivered a superb cross that Joao Neves headed expertly into the far corner — his fourth goal at international level. DR Congo appeared stunned, but rather than pressing for a second, Portugal slowed the tempo and treated the game more like a practice session, dominating possession without much purpose.

They created only a few half-chances, while DR Congo offered a real threat on the counter. Wissa caused plenty of problems for the Portuguese backline and was eventually rewarded in first-half stoppage time, sneaking in unmarked to nod home an inviting Arthur Masuaku cross for the equaliser.

Joao Cancelo thought he had restored Portugal’s lead early in the second half with an acrobatic finish, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside. Moments later, Cedric Bakambu came close to putting DR Congo ahead, striking the post after muscling past Bruno Fernandes — another anxious moment for Roberto Martinez’s men.

Substitute Francisco Conceicao provided much-needed energy after coming on, creating a couple of openings for Ronaldo down the right flank, but the veteran forward couldn’t convert. Portugal pushed hard in the closing stages but never found a breakthrough, leaving DR Congo to celebrate a hard-earned point in their first World Cup appearance since 1974.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Diogo Costa (5/10): Displayed some nerves with erratic distribution and should have attempted to claim Masuaku’s cross that led to DR Congo’s goal.

Joao Cancelo (6/10): Defensively sound and tidy in possession, but lacked penetration in attack. His spectacular overhead goal was rightly disallowed for offside.

Tomas Araujo (5/10): Generally composed but at fault for Wissa’s equaliser, losing concentration and allowing DR Congo to overload the back post.

Renato Veiga (6/10): Stepped up effectively in the absence of Ruben Dias, showing strength and good positional sense. Played a few sharp passes in behind that went unused.

Nuno Mendes (5/10): Showed intent with his runs down the flank but struggled with his final delivery and lost too many duels.

Midfield

Vitinha (6/10): Controlled play with his precise passing but rarely ventured forward. A solid yet unspectacular performance.

Joao Neves (7/10): Displayed excellent timing and technique for his header to make it 1-0. Worked tirelessly across the pitch and looked most likely to spark creativity.

Bruno Fernandes (5/10): A muted showing from the Manchester United skipper. Tried to get on the ball but lacked his usual flair in the attacking third.

Attack

Bernardo Silva (3/10): Failed to justify his high-profile move to Real Madrid. Hardly influenced proceedings before being substituted at half-time.

Cristiano Ronaldo (3/10): Despite FIFA’s decision to lift his ban, Ronaldo struggled to impose himself. Barely involved and squandered Portugal’s best chances, extending his goalless streak at major tournaments to nine matches.

Pedro Neto (6/10): Delivered a pinpoint assist for Neves’ goal but faded as the game progressed. Needs to be more direct in one-on-one situations.

Subs & Manager

Francisco Conceicao (7/10): Introduced at the interval for Silva and injected pace and creativity. A bright cameo that strengthens his claim for a starting spot.

Raphael Leao (5/10): Replaced Neto in the 71st minute but failed to impact the game or stretch the opposition defence.

Nelson Semedo (5/10): Came on for Mendes with 20 minutes remaining but offered limited attacking threat.

Goncalo Ramos (N/A): Played the final minutes after replacing Vitinha in the 83rd minute, with little time to influence play.

Roberto Martinez (3/10): His conservative tactics and faith in an ageing Ronaldo backfired badly. Will come under scrutiny if Portugal cannot respond against Uzbekistan in their next World Cup fixture.

How far can Portugal go at this World Cup?