DR Congo Draws 1-1 with Portugal in World Cup Opener

In the opening game of the World Cup, DR Congo secured an impressive 1-1 draw against Portugal. Portugal took the lead in the sixth minute through Joao Neve.

However, DR Congo equalized in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time when Newcastle striker Yoan Wissa, unmarked, headed home a cross from Arthur Masuaku, marking DR Congo's first World Cup goal since their previous appearance in 1974. The team, previously known as Zaire, had lost all three matches in that tournament with an aggregate score of 14-0.

Ranked 46th in the world, DR Congo faced a challenging opponent in Portugal, ranked 52nd. Despite Portugal's dominant possession, they struggled to convert their chances, with Cedric Bakambu hitting the post.

Cristiano Ronaldo, playing in his sixth World Cup at 41 years old, aimed to become the first player to score in six different World Cups. Portugal's best opportunities came from substitute Francisco Conceicao, whose shots narrowly missed the target.