Proud Congo DR stymies Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

HOUSTON – Even before Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo stepped onto the pitch, Houston Stadium was already buzzing Wednesday morning.  Congo DR wanted to party at the World Cup too, though.

Congo DR made history along the way with the country’s first World Cup goal 52 years after Les Léopards’ first appearance in the tournament. It had been so long since Congo DR played in the World Cup, the country was named Zaire when it appeared in the 1974 tournament.

The historic goal was good enough to help Congo DR tie Portugal 1-1 in the Group K group stage opener for both countries.

The Portugal faithful turned the Group K opener into a celebration of the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, 41. Making his 23rd World Cup appearance, Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match. 

Ronaldo chants echoed from section to section long before kickoff. Whenever the five‑time Ballon d’Or winner flashed on the big screens, the sellout crowd of 68,777 erupted with Ronaldo chants. Congo DR, however, celebrated a historic afternoon.

‘Courage and resilience’

“I’m obviously very proud today because we’ve worked extremely hard,” Congo DR striker Yoane Wissa said. “It was a very difficult match against a team that was stronger than us. 

“But we showed courage and resilience. Scoring our first goal is a huge source of pride because it reflects the character of this team. The most important thing now is to keep going.”

This match marked Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup appearance, but Portugal quickly learned that it wouldn’t be an easy opener against a determined Congo DR side.

Midfielder and Superior Player of the Match João Neves put Portugal ahead in the sixth minute, rising to head Pedro Neto’s cross into the bottom‑right corner of the goal from the center of the box.

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“It was my first World Cup match,” Neves said. “And I’m happy with my performance. But, as I always say, what matters is the team. There are things we need to improve. What we really need are victories. The squad is united and determined to get better.”

Forward Yoane Wissa leveled the game before halftime. He timed defender Arthur Masuaku’s cross perfectly to head the ball into the top-left corner.

The Leopards produced their best look of the second half in the 52nd minute, forward Cedric Bakambu hit the post and came close to scoring. Ronaldo produced his first attempt in the 68th minute and another attempt in the 73rd minute. 

“A lot of emotions. We worked hard for it,” midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau said. “We knew that something was possible here, especially on the set pieces. We worked on it in training, and today it paid off.

“The defense had a massive game. The coach pushed us forward. I’m very happy for them. We know that Ronaldo isn’t the same as before, so we know that he runs less. He has less effort. So yeah, it was our defense that stopped him. They did a great job.”

Ronaldo Cristiano records 

At 41 years and 132 days old, Ronaldo now holds the record for the oldest player to start a World Cup match. He also became the second oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup match. The only player who appeared in a World Cup match older than Ronaldo was Cameroon forward Roger Milla at the 1994 USA World Cup.

Milla was 42 years and 39 days old when he came off the bench against Russia on June 28, 1994. Ronaldo declined to address the media waiting to interview him as he walked through the media mixed zone on his way out of the stadium.

“We started the match very well,” Portugal coach Roberto Martinz said. “Scoring should have been a great moment, but it wasn’t.”

The same can be said for Ronaldo’s showing, but the crowd clearly loved seeing him. Moreover, his pedigree earned him the right to stay on the pitch.

“It makes no sense,” Martinez said, “to get the best goal scorer in world football out in a game that you need goals.”