Portugal disappoints, CR7 even more: Only a draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo

2026-06-17 21:40:49Sport SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Portugal disappoints, CR7 even more: Only a draw with the Democratic Republic of
Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo have had a disappointing start to the World Cup, with the Lusitanians held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Group K match started with Portugal dominating the game, taking the lead very quickly. In the 6th minute, Joao Neves took advantage of a cross and headed home the winner.

At the end of the first half, Congo found the equalizer, with Wissa, who scored with a header after a corner kick. In the second half, Portugal tried to find the second goal with all forms, with Ronaldo squandering two good chances.

Congo on the other hand was stopped by the post and in the end the two teams were forced to share a point.

In Martinez's Portugal, in Houston, one problem was obvious: Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese number seven, playing his sixth World Cup as Leo Messi - no one else - but he didn't respond to the Argentine number ten's hat-trick; instead, he ran around the field, looking for gaps and spaces that he had never found. The stadium, home of the NFL, was all his: jerseys with the No. 7 logo everywhere, faces of all ages and nationalities, screams and cheers as formations and every shot were read on two giant screens, but he was nowhere to be seen on the field. The cage erected by the Democratic Republic of Congo coach confined the number seven to such an extent that he was forced to come and get the ball in midfield.

Portugal will next play Uzbekistan, while Congo will face Colombia.


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