DR Congo earns historic point against Portugal as Ronaldo remains quiet

DR Congo come from behind to hold Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their Group K match at the Houston Stadium in the Fifa World Cup.

They came to see Cristiano Ronaldo, perhaps expecting feats to rival Lionel Messi’s remarkable display the night before. Ronaldo’s many followers in Houston did their best to summon a meaningful contribution from their idol but ultimately there were 16 players infinitely more deserving of acclaim. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) could have folded after falling behind to João Neves’s early goal but recovered brilliantly to salvage a historic draw on their return to the World Cup, Yoane Wissa’s leveller followed by a triumph of defensive discipline and resolve. Roberto Martínez kept Ronaldo on the pitch for all 95 minutes but, beyond two half-chances midway through the second period, his contribution was minimal and did little to assuage concerns that his presence is a potentially crippling millstone. Continue reading...

Cristiano Ronaldo's record-equalling sixth World Cup got off to a disappointing start as the Democratic Republic of Congo secured their first ever point at the finals, drawing 1-1 with Portugal in their Group K match on Wednesday.Portugal got off to the perfect start, with Neves powering home a header from Pedro Neto's cross in the sixth minute.

Record-breaker Cristiano Ronaldo had a quiet game as Portugal were held 1-1 by the Democratic Republic of Congo in another World Cup surprise on Wednesday. João Neves nodded Portugal ahead in the sixth minute but Yoane Wissa's thumping header on the last play of the first half put Congo level with their first ever World Cup goal.