Unconvincing Portugal and Ronaldo stumble in a historic match

Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their Group K opener in Houston. João Neves gave Portugal an early lead in the 6th minute with a header from Pedro Neto's cross, but the Portuguese gradually faded and were punished just before half-time when Yoan Wissa was left unmarked to equalise from a corner. In the second half, Roberto Martínez's side failed to create clear chances against a well-organised opponent. Cristiano Ronaldo had a quiet first half and managed only two wayward shots after the break, both set up by substitute Francisco Conceição. Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva were also below par.

The match will be remembered for several historic footnotes. Ronaldo became the first player alongside Messi to appear at six World Cups, and at 41 years and 132 days, the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match. He still needs a goal to become the first player to score at six World Cup tournaments — a feat Messi has not yet achieved either.

For DR Congo, the point and the goal are both firsts in their World Cup history. It is their first appearance at the tournament in 52 years — they last featured in 1974 under the name Zaire, when they failed to score and conceded 14 goals. A remarkable turnaround.