According to Yonhap News on June 18, Portugal faced Congo at the Houston Stadium in Texas. Ronaldo, serving as the team captain, started as the striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation, marking his 23rd appearance in World Cup matches.
Portugal took the lead in the sixth minute when Pedro Neto delivered a precise cross from the left flank, which João Neves headed into the net.
However, in stoppage time of the first half, Congo equalized dramatically from a corner kick, marking their first-ever World Cup goal recorded under the name "Democratic Republic of the Congo."
In the 68th minute, Ronaldo finally had a scoring opportunity after failing to register a shot throughout the match, but he misfired, sending the ball wide of the right post. Five minutes later, he attempted a shot from a cutback pass by Fernandes, but again missed the target.
Despite several attempts, Portugal struggled to break through Congo's resilient defense.
Congo qualified for this World Cup after a fierce competition in the intercontinental playoffs, edging out Jamaica to return to the tournament for the first time since the 1974 West Germany event, a gap of 52 years.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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