Against Portugal, DR Congo Record First Goal in a FIFA World Cup Finals Match
DRC, who last qualified for the tournament in 1974, snatched a draw from Portugal—something to heighten hopes for fans watching back home.
Portugal and DR Congo drew 1–1 in their World Cup Group K match at NRG Stadium in Houston on Wednesday. Portugal took the lead in the sixth minute when João Neves scored on his World Cup debut after an assist from Pedro Neto.
The goal came during an early spell in which Portugal controlled possession and territory, with DR Congo largely confined to their own half in the opening stages.
Portugal sustained dominance through the first half, recording 74 per cent of the ball, according to official match statistics.
Their offensive play focused on wide progression and quick circulation in the final third, with DR Congo defending in a compact shape and limiting central penetration.
DR Congo’s first notable offensive move came in the 17th minute when Yoane Wissa attempted to score, following a forward move.
Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa made the save to prevent the equaliser, according to match reports and broadcast coverage.
DR Congo continued to grow into the match after this phase, increasing their presence in Portugal’s half and improving their transition play.
Historic Goal
DR Congo equalised in first-half stoppage time (45+5) when Yoane Wissa scored with a header from close range.
It was DR Congo’s first goal in a FIFA World Cup finals match. The score at half-time was 1–1.
Portugal made a change to their attacking approach after the break, continuing to press forward in search of a second goal.
DR Congo responded with an early opportunity in the 49th minute when Cedric Bakambu forced another save from Diogo Costa, who intervened to prevent a second goal for the African side.
Portugal thought they had regained the lead in the 54th minute when João Cancelo finished from open play. The goal was ruled out for offside following a video assistant referee review, leaving the score unchanged at 1–1.
Following the disallowed goal, Portugal increased offensive pressure and introduced substitutions in the 71st minute.
Rafael Leão and Nelson Semedo were brought on, alongside Gonçalo Ramos and Vitinha, as Portugal attempted to add pace and control in the final third and midfield.
Heightened Hopes
DR Congo also made changes in the same period. Ngal’ayel Mukau was replaced by Noah Sadiki, Charles Pickel was replaced by Edo Kayembe, and Arthur Masuaku was substituted.
Masuaku had provided the assist for DR Congo’s equaliser in the first half, according to match records.
DR Congo had another attacking opportunity in the 77th minute but did not convert the chance into a goal. Portugal responded with continued pressure in possession but struggled to create clear finishing opportunities in open play.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a chance in the second half but did not score, with his attempt going off target.
Bruno Fernandes also had a late opportunity but failed to convert. Nelson Semedo received a yellow card in the 88th minute for a foul during a defensive phase.
Tomas was also booked after a foul on Yoane Wissa in the closing stages of the match. The incident occurred during a DR Congo attacking sequence as Portugal attempted to prevent forward progression.
Five minutes of added time were played at the end of the second half. Portugal maintained possession in the closing stages, while DR Congo managed defensive phases and occasional forward movement.
For its first World Cup match since 1974, the DRC held their own against one of the best side in European football, something to heighten hopes for fans watching back home.
