Portugal and their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo, were left frustrated after being held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo in their FIFA World Cup clash in Houston, United States.
Portugal made a dream start, taking the lead in the sixth minute when Pedro Neto delivered a precise cross for Joao Neves to head home from close range. It proved to be the only shot on target for the pre-tournament favourites throughout the encounter.
DR Congo, making their first World Cup appearance since 1974, gradually settled into the game and began to threaten the Portuguese defence.
Their persistence paid off deep into first-half stoppage time when Yoane Wissa was left unmarked at the far post to head in from a corner and draw the Congolese level.
The African side carried that momentum into the second half and came close to taking the lead when Cedric Bakambu struck the post.
Portugal struggled to regain control, with Ronaldo enduring a rare off day in front of goal. The veteran forward fired wide on two occasions from close range as opportunities went begging.
The match also marked Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup appearance, a record he shares with Argentina captain Lionel Messi.
Despite entering the tournament as one of the favourites, Portugal were forced to settle for a point, while DR Congo celebrated a memorable result in their return to football’s biggest stage.
