DR Congo Stun Portugal On Return To World Cup After 52 Years

DR Congo Stun Portugal On Return To World Cup After 52 Years

DR Congo marked their return to the World Cup after 52 years with a shock 1-1 draw against Portugal in their Group K opener. The Leopards, playing at the finals for the first time since 1974 when the country was known as Zaire, showed courage and resilience to earn their first-ever point at the tournament.

Portugal started brightly and took the lead in the 6th minute. Joao Neves rose highest to head home Pedro Neto’s cross, giving the European side an early advantage. But DR Congo responded late in first-half stoppage time. Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa met a brilliant cross from Arthur Masuaku and powered a header past Diogo Costa to level the score and score his country’s first World Cup goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo made history on the night by becoming the oldest outfield player ever to feature at a World Cup at 41 years and 132 days old. The Portugal captain brought his trademark “SIUUU” energy to the biggest stage, though he struggled to find the target with two late chances going wide.

After the match, DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre praised his players for their discipline and effort. “The players showed incredible commitment and selflessness,” the French tactician said. “We executed the game plan exactly as we wanted, scored from a set piece, and I am very proud of my players because they represented Congo in a very positive way.”

Wissa echoed his coach’s pride: “I’m obviously very proud today because we’ve worked extremely hard. It was a difficult match against a team stronger than us, but we showed courage and resilience. Scoring our first goal is a huge source of pride because it reflects the character of this team.”

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez admitted his side lost control after conceding. “We started very well, but scoring should have been a greater moment,” he said. “We lost attacking depth and fluency in possession. The confidence they gained after the goal made the game very difficult.”

DR Congo will now turn their attention to Colombia on June 23rd before wrapping up the group stage against Uzbekistan on June 27th. For a team back on the world stage after more than five decades, this point feels like the start of something special.