Portugal stunned as DR Congo claim historic draw

Portugal suffered a major setback in their opening Group K match after being held to a one-all draw by a resilient DR Congo side. Midfielder Joao Neves put the European giants ahead in the sixth minute with a sharp header from a Pedro Neto cross. Despite dominating possession at seventy-five per cent, Roberto Martinez's team struggled to create clear-cut opportunities and failed to extend their advantage.

DR Congo capitalised on Portugal's defensive hesitation deep into first-half stoppage time when Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa rose unmarked to head home an equaliser from Arthur Masuaku's cross. The strike marked a historic moment as the nation's first-ever goal at a World Cup finals, visualising a massive transformation from their only previous appearance in 1974 when they lost all three matches without scoring. The forty-six-ranked team proved excellent value for their point, threatening on the counter-attack and striking the post through Cedric Bakambu.

The match also saw Cristiano Ronaldo make history as the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match at forty-one years and 132 days. While he matched Lionel Messi by appearing in a sixth tournament, the forward endured a frustrating night as he bit to break new ground. Ronaldo played the full match but failed to find the net, firing wide twice in quick succession during the second half from low cut-backs provided by substitute Francisco Conceicao.

-BBC