DR Congo Earn First-Ever World Cup Point in Draw with Portugal

The Democratic Republic of Congo earned its first ever point at a World Cup on Wednesday, holding Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their Group K opener. The result took some shine off Ronaldo's record sixth World Cup appearance.

Portugal looked to be cruising after Joao Neves headed them in front in just the sixth minute, finishing off a cross from Pedro Neto. But DR Congo kept fighting back, and Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa leveled the score deep in first-half stoppage time, rising above the Portuguese defense to head home the equalizer. It was the country's first ever goal at a World Cup finals.

The point means even more given the circumstances. This is only DR Congo's second time at the tournament, and the first since 1974, when the country competed under the name Zaire. On top of that, the squad's build-up to this World Cup was disrupted by an Ebola outbreak back home, making Wednesday's result feel like a bigger win than the scoreline suggests.

For Ronaldo, now 41, it was mostly a quiet night. He had two clear looks at goal in the second half, both set up by substitute Francisco Conceicao, but sent each shot wide. It was a stark contrast to the day before, when his old rival Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's win over Algeria.

There was no shortage of other talking points. Portugal's players wore wristbands during the game, a gift from Prime Minister Luis Montenegro in memory of former teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash last year. 

Defender Joao Cancelo briefly thought he had scored with an overhead kick, only for it to be ruled out for offside. At the other end, 35-year-old DR Congo striker Cedric Bakambu came close to giving his side the lead, getting past Bruno Fernandes before his shot bounced off the post.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez also made an early change, pulling winger Bernardo Silva at halftime, just hours after Silva had completed a free transfer to Real Madrid. 

By full time, it was Conceicao showing his frustration, slamming the ball to the ground after Portugal were denied a late corner that might have given them one more chance to find a winner.