Ronaldo fails to shine as DR Congo earn historic World Cup point

Lead

Cristiano Ronaldo's record-equalling sixth World Cup got off to a disappointing start as the Democratic Republic of the Congo secured their first-ever point at the finals, drawing 1-1 with Portugal in their Group K match in Houston on Wednesday, as reported by Al Jazeera and Dawn.

Yoane Wissa's header cancelled out Joao Neves's early goal, and the African side – appearing in their first World Cup since 1974, when the country was known as Zaire – more than held their own, according to multiple reports.

Coverage Comparison

The draw was reported consistently across Al Jazeera, Dawn, France 24 – English, and TASS – English. All accounts noted Portugal's dominance in possession but their inability to convert that into a winning margin. France 24 – English emphasised DR Congo's "well-organised defence," while Al Jazeera's match report highlighted Portugal's "lack of cutting edge." TASS – English provided a straightforward account of the result, noting that Portugal and DR Congo are competing in Group K alongside Uzbekistan and Colombia.

Al Jazeera offered multiple angles on the story. One report focused on the criticism Ronaldo faced following his performance, including comments from Portugal winger Francisco Conceicao. Another detailed Wissa's personal journey, including his recovery from an acid attack in 2021. A third report, carrying direct quotes from Ronaldo, captured his reaction to the draw. These reports were corroborated by Dawn, which also noted that Portugal players wore wrist bands in tribute to late teammate Diogo Jota.

Key Claims

Portugal's dominance and DR Congo's resilience

Portugal got off to a perfect start, with Neves powering home a header from Pedro Neto's cross in the sixth minute, according to Al Jazeera and Dawn. Despite dominating possession – France 24 – English estimated Portugal had around 75% of the ball – they lacked a cutting edge, and well into time added on in the first half, their opponents made them pay. Wissa rose unmarked to head past goalkeeper Diogo Costa, sparking wild celebrations on the pitch, the bench, and among Congolese fans in the stadium, as the Newcastle forward registered his country's first-ever goal at a World Cup.

Ronaldo's peripheral role

Ronaldo, 41, was largely a peripheral figure throughout the match, failing to make the impact his great rival Lionel Messi had achieved on Tuesday in scoring a hat-trick against Algeria, reported Al Jazeera. The report also noted that Ronaldo had just 25 touches, his fewest in a game at a major tournament for Portugal when playing a full match. Critics questioned whether Ronaldo's lack of mobility was having a negative effect on Portugal's chances, and Conceicao insisted his teammates felt no pressure to pass to Ronaldo. "We don't feel the need to pass him the ball," Conceicao said. "I pass it to whoever I think is in the best position and unmarked." He added that Ronaldo is seen as "just another member of the squad." Ronaldo had three shots, all off-target, spurning two close-range opportunities for what might have been a second-half winner, according to Al Jazeera.

Historic achievement for DR Congo

DR Congo's achievement was even greater given that their preparations had been disrupted by the Ebola outbreak back in their country, according to Al Jazeera and Dawn. Wissa's goal was the team's first-ever at a World Cup, and the draw secured their first-ever point at the finals. Wissa's personal story added to the significance: he recovered from an acid attack in 2021 that left him severely injured and in need of emergency eye surgery, according to Al Jazeera. The assailant was sentenced to 18 years in prison in January 2025. Wissa took six months to recover, and his return to football culminated in this historic moment.

Other match details

TASS – English reported that Joao Neves put Portugal ahead in the sixth minute, while Wissa equalized in first-half stoppage time (45+5). Dawn noted that Portugal players wore wrist bands, given to them by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, in tribute to late teammate Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash last year. Al Jazeera's match report added that Bernardo Silva had started the day by joining Real Madrid on a free transfer but ended it watching from the bench after being substituted at half-time. Former Portugal defender Pepe, watching from the VIP seats, did not look impressed, according to the same report.

The draw leaves Group K wide open. Portugal will face Uzbekistan on June 23, while DR Congo will take on Colombia on June 24, according to TASS – English.