To use the search feature, we need your consent to load Google Custom Search, which may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to enable search. See our privacy policy for more information.
Sport | Football
Portugal vs DR Congo LIVE
Portugal opened their World Cup account with a 1-1 against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Roberto Martinez’s men were hoping for a statement victory to send a ripple through the bracket, but they were held by their stubborn African counterparts, who registered a maiden World Cup point.
Cristiano Ronaldo, likely playing in his final major tournament for his country, would have seen Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe’s exploits from the day previously and wanted to replicate them, but he spurned two chances in the second half as A Selecao were forced to settle for a point. Joao Neves got them off to the perfect start with a flicked header on six minutes, but they did not do anything else with their 80 per cent possession in the first half, and they were punished for it.
Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa nodded an equaliser in first-half stoppage time after he was afforded a free header, and Sebastien Desbare’s side defended resolutely to hold out the Euro 2016 winners, who threw the kitchen sink at them in the dying embers.
Portugal vs DR Congo latest updates
Live updates
England face Croatia in their World Cup opener this evening…
Follow live here!
Portugal were left disappointed as they opened their World Cup 2026 account with a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Roberto Martinez’s side were hoping to start their campaign with a statement victory that would have set the tone of Group K, but instead, Cristiano Ronaldo and co. were pegged back by Yoane Wissa’s equaliser in first-half stoppage time to cancel out Joao Neves’ early opener.
Read the full report here!
It ends level, and you’d have to say, a fair result!
Thanks for joining us on Standard Sport, be sure to come back very soon for even more LIVE World Cup action.
90+2 mins: Wissa is stopped cynically and forcefully in his tracks by Araujo. Yellow card for the defender.
90+1 min: Five added minutes.
90 mins: Close! Fernandes thinks, ‘Sod this, I’m going alone’, setting up a shot with his left, but he drags it wide of the target.
86 mins: Bakambu and Wan-Bissaka are off for Kalulu and Banzu.
84 mins: Goncalo Ramos is on for Vitinha. 4-2-4 for the Portuguese now.
82 mins: Time is tickintg away. The DR Congo have it, and they do still hold a threat going forward, but not crossing like that, from Kayembe.
80 mins: Resolute defending from the DR Congo players as they close in on what would be a huge point. It’s kitchen sink time for Portugal.
MORE ABOUT
Have your say…
1
Football
Liverpool seal shock first summer signing in £34.5m transfer hijack with medical already complete
Liverpool seal shock first signing in transfer hijack as medical done
2
Football
Transfer news LIVE: Rogers wants Arsenal, Alvarez swap; Van Hecke deal; Tonali price; Man Utd, Chelsea latest
Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal get Rogers boost; Alvarez swap deal
3
Football
Thomas Tuchel reveals new Declan Rice injury update after Arsenal problem confirmed
Tuchel reveals new Rice injury update after Arsenal problem confirmed
4
Football
England 4-2 Croatia: Harry Kane at the double as Three Lions make impressive start to World Cup
Kane at the double as England swat Croatia aside in World Cup opener
5
Football
Chelsea close in on second sale of Xabi Alonso era as young star heads for exit
Chelsea close in on second sale of Alonso era as star heads for exit
Leave a Reply