Portugal have a Ronaldo problem (again) after draw...
Key takeaways
- It was the fourth time in five World Cups that Portugal failed to win their first match, and it was another referendum on the enigma that is Cristiano Ronaldo at this level in 2026.
- João Neves' early header gave Portugal the lead and finished up a six-minute sequence in which they completed 84 passes to their opponents' 12.
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Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
It was the fourth time in five World Cups that Portugal failed to win their first match, and it was another referendum on the enigma that is Cristiano Ronaldo at this level in 2026.
João Neves' early header gave Portugal the lead and finished up a six-minute sequence in which they completed 84 passes to their opponents' 12. But Congo DR soon played their way into the match, equalizing late in the first half on a corner-kick goal from Yoane Wissa and finishing the match with more shot attempts (eight to seven), more shots on goal (two to one) and more xG created (0.82 to 0.64).
Portugal were limited to just six shot attempts after Neves' goal, and even as key creative players such as Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, Nuno Mendes and Vitinha were withdrawn by coach Roberto Martinez, one notable star who remained on the pitch was 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo.