Home / Sports / Ronaldo Blanked: Portugal Held by Congo in World Cup Qualifier
Ronaldo Blanked: Portugal Held by Congo in World Cup Qualifier
17 Jun
Summary
- Portugal drew 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Cristiano Ronaldo failed to convert scoring opportunities.
- João Neves scored for Portugal, Wissa equalized for Congo.
Portugal, a highly-ranked team, unexpectedly drew 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a 2026 World Cup qualifier held in Houston, USA. Despite taking an early lead in the 6th minute through João Neves, Portugal failed to secure a victory. The match saw Cristiano Ronaldo, who was participating in his sixth World Cup tournament, unable to convert any of his three shots.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo equalized in first-half added time with a header from Wissa, capitalizing on Portugal's lack of urgency. The game slowed considerably after Portugal's opening goal, with the Congolese team defending deeply. Ronaldo had his first shot in the 23rd minute of the second half, but it missed the target. Substitutions were made by Portugal in an attempt to bolster their attack, but they could not find a winning goal, ultimately settling for a point.
