Yoane Wissa inspired a spirited Leopards fightback after Joao Neves’ early opener, as an underwhelming Portugal struggled to break down a defiant and disciplined Congolese defence.
In the early exchanges it looked ominous for DR Congo as Portugal found the breakthrough within the first five minutes through the head of the diminutive destroyer that is Joao Neves. He is deceiving for his aerial ability.
DR Congo responded well to going a goal behind - their pressure finally told when Yoane Wissa’s clever header found the back of the net on the stroke of half time.
The long awaited goal could have come sooner for the leopards in truth - Wissa, who showcased his Premier League pedigree, dragged a shot wide of the post and his strike partner, Cedric Bakambu shortly after showed his fleet of foot nature to power past the Portuguese defence only to see his shot deflect behind for a corner.
The stoic spirit of the African nation shone through, showing belief that they belong on international footballs biggest stage. They began to disrupt the dominance of Portugal with their press.
After Portugal’s electrifying start, complacency had crept into their ranks. The lackadaisical Diego Costa was nearly caught out by the busy Wissa - his clearance cannoned off the striker and could have gone anywhere.
For Portugal, it was all style but very little substance going into the interval.
The second half began how the first half ended, belief flowing through DR Congo.
Portugal were in need of a spark, and they thought they had it through an intricate exchange through Fernandes, Neves and Cancelo - the fluid fullback finished it off in acrobatic fashion - only to be greeted by the offside flag.
Francisco Conceição and Rafael Leao were introduced to the action and suddenly Portugal playing with directness and dynamism, the tempo proof the game had picked up pace.
Ronaldo, who had been anonymous in the match, had been encouraged by those of a Portuguese persuasion - the legendary striker very nearly answered their calls, lashing a shot inches wide of the post. His goalless run in major tournaments has now been extended to ten games.
The Counter attacking threat of DR Congo was still very much prominent. Wissa and Bakambu had been troubling the Portuguese backline all match and the pair nearly combined once more - only for Bakambu to see his shot sail over the bar.
Houston, Portugal have a problem
Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Democratic Republic of the Congo felt like a missed opportunity for a side that entered the tournament as one of the stronger contenders. After taking an early lead through João Neves, Portugal failed to build on their advantage. Rather than using their superior technical quality to control the game in dangerous areas, they allowed DR Congo to settle into the match and grow in confidence. The Congolese equaliser just before half-time was a reward for their increasing belief and exposed Portugal’s inability to maintain intensity after going ahead.
Perhaps most concerning was the sense of complacency. Portugal arrived with a squad valued far above their opponents and were expected to start Group K with three points, yet they looked vulnerable defensively and lacked urgency after conceding. DR Congo’s organisation, physicality and commitment deserved credit, but Portugal never imposed themselves as a genuine tournament heavyweight should. In a group that also contains Colombia and Uzbekistan, dropping points in the opener increases the pressure on Martínez’s side and raises questions about whether they can match the pre-tournament hype.
Portugal were predictable and pedestrian, it goes without saying that they must improve if they are to mount a challenge for the World Cup.
DR Congo can hold their head high
After 52 years since they last qualified for the World Cup, what an introduction back on the biggest stage.
If you had limited football knowledge, you would struggle to know which team was which and that is the biggest compliment you can pay to DR Congo.
They were not overawed by the occasion. Their pressing was organised, their defending disciplined and their attacking moments carried real threat. For long stretches, there was little evidence of the gulf in reputation between the two nations. DR Congo’s players spoke before the match about having “no fear” against Portugal, and they backed up those words on the pitch.
That result will give them a platform to build on - they have certainly showed they are no pushovers.
