Pedro Neto set up Portugal’s early goal against DR Congo in Houston on Tuesday afternoon, although the eventual 1-1 draw was not the start to the World Cup the European side were hoping for.
With five minutes on the clock, the Chelsea winger – deployed on the left flank by Roberto Martinez – sent over a teasing cross that PSG’s Joao Neves met with an emphatic header that found the corner of the net.
Portugal continued to dominant possession and territory, although DR Congo did look dangerous on their rare forays forward. Yoane Wissa went close with one shot from the edge of the box.
On the half-hour, Chancel Mbemba, once of Newcastle, caught Neto in an aerial duel and was booked. But the DR Congo captain was celebrating on the stroke of half-time when an unmarked Wissa headed the African side level. They had attempted six shots to Portugal’s two.
Neto curled in a superb cross early in the second half that sub Francisco Conceicao couldn’t quite force into the net, with his appeals for a penalty waved away. Joao Cancelo’s spectacular bicycle kick was then disallowed for offside.
Cristiano Ronaldo missed two chances either side of the second-half hydration break, before Neto was replaced by Rafael Leao in the 71st minute.
Though the pattern of the game was unchanged, DR Congo looked the more likely to win it on the break, with several promising counter-attacks amounting to nothing. They were good value for their point.
Portugal are next in action against Uzbekistan next Tuesday 23 June. Colombia are the other team in Group K.