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 converted with a header into the net.
However, during stoppage time in the first half, Congo equalized dramatically from a corner kick, marking their first 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.
Meanwhile, Congo secured their spot in this World Cup after a fierce competition, overcoming Jamaica in the intercontinental playoffs, marking their return to the finals for the first time since the 1974 tournament in West Germany.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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