Portugal held to 1-1 draw by DR Congo despite early lead

Portugal were unable to secure a winning start to their World Cup campaign despite taking an early lead, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their Group K opener at the NRG Stadium in Houston on Wednesday, June 17.

The European side started the match on the front foot and took the lead in the sixth minute. Pedro Neto delivered a precise cross from the left flank, and Joao Neves rose to head the ball past DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, giving Portugal the perfect start.

After conceding, DR Congo gradually grew into the match and increased their attacking intensity towards the end of the first half. Their persistence paid off in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time. Arthur Masuaku played a short corner to Ngal'ayel Mukau, who whipped a cross into the box. Yoane Wissa rose to guide a perfect header past Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa, levelling the score.

It was a historic moment for DR Congo, as it was their first ever World Cup goal, and they celebrated the equaliser with great emotion.

In the second half, both sides pushed for a winning goal. Portugal created several chances around Cristiano Ronaldo, but the DR Congo defence held firm. The African side also threatened on the counter-attack, but neither team could find the net again.

The match ended 1-1, leaving Portugal frustrated despite their dominance, while DR Congo celebrated a historic point against a strong Portuguese side.