HOUSTON — Portugal opened with a quick goal but were held to a 1-1 draw by Congo DR after the visitors equalized late in the first half on a Yoane Wissa corner. João Neves gave Portugal the lead with an early header in a six-minute sequence in which Portugal completed 84 passes to Congo DR’s 12.
Congo DR finished the match with more shot attempts (8-7), more shots on goal (2-1) and higher expected goals (0.82 to 0.64). Portugal were restricted to just six shot attempts after Neves’ goal. It was the fourth time in five World Cups that Portugal failed to win their opening match.
Cristiano Ronaldo played all 90 minutes but produced three shot attempts, zero chances created, two progressive carries (second fewest among Portugal starters), two progressive passes (also second fewest), two successful aerial duels, no ground duel attempts, zero defensive interventions and one ball recovery. Several of Portugal’s key creative players — Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, Nuno Mendes and Vitinha — were withdrawn by coach Roberto Martinez.
Martinez said the game changed after Congo DR’s equalizer and emphasized the need to reflect and make adjustments. “Until then, our attacking patterns were getting us into the final third,” he said. “After the first goal, we didn’t reach the final third at the level we needed in order to provide service to the striker and make use of his movements. So there are aspects we need to improve.”
Congo DR coach Sébastien Desabre compared the match to their World Cup qualifying win over Nigeria and praised his players’ mentality. “Mentally we have the ability to cope with difficult starts to matches,” he said. “I know my players are capable of resetting themselves mentally and reacting in the right way to put the team back on the right track after a difficult beginning.”
