Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
So, you are playing against a country (the Democratic Republic of Congo) ranked 43rd in the world and making their first World Cup appearance in 52 years.
Less than six minutes in and you’re a goal to the good, Joao Neves getting in front of his marker and sending a bullet header past Lionel Mpasi.
From that moment on, this SBOTOP scribbler – and no doubt World Cup 2026 betting odds everywhere – would have expected Portugal, the reigning Nations League holders, to win with something to spare.
Of course, that is not how football works and Congo, who secured their place in the United States this summer through a 1-0 extra-time play-off win over Jamaica, surprised the world, despite enjoying just 24.6 per cent of possession over more than 100 minutes.
Whatever happens in the rest of this tournament, the nation from Central Africa, the fourth most populous country in Africa, will always cherish this moment.
They are up and running with an assortment of World Cup 2026 highlights to reflect on.
Highlights of the game
It was the ideal start for Portugal who can field arguably the best first-choice midfield in this summer’s competition, an experienced defence (although Ruben Dias was a big miss here), an admirable array of wide forwards and an iconic captain.
They controlled possession from the outset and, when Nuno Mendes raced into the area, it took a brilliantly timed tackle from Aaron Wan-Bissaka to prevent the Paris St Germain full-back from getting a shot away.
The Selecao remained on top throughout the half without ever looking likely to add to their lead and then, in first half stoppage time out of the blue, arrived DR Congo’s first-ever goal at a World Cup.
A short corner routine was swift and, from a whipped Arthur Masuaku ball, Yoane Wissa glanced the ball beyond Diogo Costa in what proved to be the final touch of the first half and led to a memorable celebration.
Visibly lifted by their equaliser, Congo continued to defend doggedly and with shape, although the half-time introduction of Francisco Conceicao gave Portugal another threat and, after a wonderful pass from Bruno Fernandes, the Juventus man pulled the ball back and skipper Cristiano Ronaldo was denied by a crucial block.
As the pressure intensified from Roberto Martinez’s men, so Congo could try and outnumber their opponents on the counter-attack and, after a Portugal corner, goalkeeper Mpasi launched a swift move, the ball eventually falling to Cedric Bakambu who was unable to keep the ball down from the edge of the box.
The disciplined and desired display of Congo meant the Portuguese, who passed the ball beautifully but were occasionally predictable, were unable to break them down and efforts on target were limited.
For all the deserved plaudits that come Congo’s way, it was surprising to see the lack of swagger as Ronaldo and co entered the world stage.
The disrespect I referred to a few days ago will no doubt rear its head again but this was no 41 year-old sucking an otherwise fluent team into an inescapable void.
This was a free-scoring icon receiving limited service, bar two half chances in the second period, and Portugal, who have never won the World Cup (their best finish was in 1966 when they ended the tournament in third place) will need to provide their frontman with more service next time around.
Yet this was Congo’s moment: a lesson in fortitude, resilience, organisation and no little quality.
Key statistics
After five minutes and 32 seconds, Neves’ header was the second fastest goal of the tournament so far (the quickest was scored by Germany’s Felix Nmecha against Curacao – also at the Houston Stadium).
This was the first ever meeting between Portugal and DR Congo at senior level.
What’s next?
Both nations have six days to wait for their next game.
Portugal meet the minnows of Uzbekistan on Tuesday (June 23), while Congo face Colombia in the early hours of the following morning.
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