![\"Yoane](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/00248984-614.jpg\"\/)
\nWissa jumps highest to bring DR Congo level<\/p>\n
Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa scored the equaliser as the DR Congo frustrated Portugal at the start of Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup campaign.<\/p>\n
Wissa put aside the frustration of his injury-hit first season on Tyneside as he headed home to secure a 1-1 draw under a closed roof at Houston’s NRG Stadium.<\/p>\n
Joao Neves had put Portugal, one of the pre-tournament favourites, ahead after just six minutes but they were unable to build on their strong start as DR Congo – making their first World Cup appearance in 52 years – fought back in the Group K opener.<\/p>\n
Ronaldo, matching Lionel Messi’s feat of appearing at a sixth World Cup, had a quiet game and failed to convert two difficult late chances.<\/p>\n
DR Congo deserved their point for a disciplined display after overcoming a difficult start.<\/p>\n
The African side sat deep early on and were punished as Portugal controlled possession and soon created the opening goal.<\/p>\n
It came from a move down the left as Pedro Neto found space and whipped in a cross for Neves to rise and power a header into the top corner.<\/p>\n
The Leopards responded by adopting a more attacking approach with Wissa lashing a shot wide and Cedric Bakambu also threatening.<\/p>\n
Portugal’s Bernardo Silva, on the day it was announced he had signed for Real Madrid, was booked for a poor challenge on Edo Kayembe as DR Congo continued to grow into the contest.<\/p>\n
Kayembe tried his luck from distance after a good run but the ball looped into Diogo Costa’s arms after a deflection.<\/p>\n
Portugal had another good spell but Bruno Fernandes drove a cross through the box and both Neto and Joao Cancelo failed to pick out Ronaldo.<\/p>\n
\nWissa jumps highest to bring DR Congo level<\/p>\n
DR Congo finished the first half strongly and drew level in stoppage time.<\/p>\n
A short corner was worked to Arthur Masuaku and he swung a ball into the box for Wissa to arrive unmarked at the back post and head past Costa.<\/p>\n
Portugal thought they had reclaimed the lead 10 minutes into the second half after a brilliant overhead kick from Cancelo but the former Manchester City defender was offside.<\/p>\n
DR Congo also went close at the other end when Bakambu stole the ball from Fernandes and smashed a shot against a post, but the referee had already blown for a foul.<\/p>\n
Portugal looked to Ronaldo for inspiration but he twice missed the target from Francisco Conceicao cutbacks. Cancelo also drilled in a ball looking for Ronaldo but it was too close to Lionel Mpasi.<\/p>\n
DR Congo were increasingly forced back but did go close again on the break when Bakambu shot wide as they held on for a creditable draw.<\/p>\n
Watch every game of the FIFA 2026 World Cup live on RT\u00c9 with highlights on RT\u00c9 Sport digital platforms and live blogs on RT\u00c9.ie\/sport and RT\u00c9 News app <\/p>\n
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