Portugal 1-1 DR Congo – FIFA World Cup result as Yoanne Wissa inspires The Leopards to shock point, holding Cristiano Ronaldo in Group K opener

Yoanne Wissa’s emphatic header proved pivotal as the Democratic Republic of Congo earned their first-ever FIFA World Cup point in a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Portugal in Houston.

On a night he became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to live up to the heights of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

Ronaldo fired a blank in the Group K opener and Portugal left Texas with just one point, despite taking a sixth-minute lead when Joao Neves headed in from an inviting Pedro Neto cross.

At that moment, Portugal, among the favourites to win the competition, were confident they could go on to win the game comfortably.

But DR Congo had other ideas, reacting superbly and showing great bravery to press high, stopping Portugal from developing any rhythm whatsoever.

Wissa equalised with the last touch of the first half and you could not say it was not deserved as DR Congo netted as a result of a pinpoint Arthur Masuaku cross from a clever short corner.

Portugal's struggles continued way into the second half as DR Congo stopped A Selecao from registering any further shots on target, all while looking a threat on the counterattack.

The Leopards earned their nickname through showing strength, power and resilience on behalf of their nation.

They exhibited those qualities in abundance in Houston, going toe-to-toe with Portugal and pocketing one of the greatest players the world has ever seen.

Portugal's tally of seven shots (one on target) marks their worst attacking output in a single World Cup match since at least 1966, according to our friends at Opta.

Not at the races? Or more of a reflection on DR Congo's defending? We'll let you decide on that one.

Not only did Cristiano Ronaldo miss two late chances for Portugal, but tonight was one of his least impactful performances altogether in an A Selecao shirt.

At first glance, seeing Portugal 1-1 DR Congo as a scoreline may have people presuming The Leopards scored their only chance, earning a smash-and-grab point.

But that certainly wasn't the case. Not only did DR Congo battle remarkably defensively, but they created a decent number of opportunities for themselves.

Possession: POR 75%-25% DRC

Total shots: 7-8

Shots on target: 1-2

Corners: 5-4

Expected goals (xG): 0.64-0.82

DR Congo have so much to be proud of tonight.

Just featuring at their first FIFA World Cup match in over half a century was an achievement to savour.

But to clinch a precious point against one of the tournament's favourites? That's on another level.

Those players have covered their nation in glory. Bravo.

That's that and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have their first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup!

What a remarkable result for the Leopards, who simply would not let up, holding Portugal for a famous draw in Houston.

Make sure to stick around for all the reaction.

Nelson Semedo does brilliantly to nutmeg an approaching DR Congo defender and win a corner.

But Bruno Fernandes' delivery is caught superbly by Lionel Mpasi.

Wissa takes a huge whack as he's brutally stopped in his tracks by Tomas Araujo.

Portugal's centre-half wiped out Wissa to deny the striker a counter in behind.

That's as clear of a booking as you'll see.

The fourth official indicates there will be five minutes of stoppage time to play.

Fernandes pulls the trigger from range but it drags just wide of the right post. Not a bad effort, but not good enough.

As soon as he made the challenge, he knew what was coming...

Nelson Semedo sees yellow for hauling down Yoanne Wissa, who was just about to break free on the counter.

A tactical booking, that one.

It would have been very easy to spill Joao Cancelo's low cross as it's fizzed towards the near post, but DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mbasi holds it brilliantly.

Had he dropped it, Cristiano Ronaldo was waiting to tap in from close

There are two final changes for the Leopards as Simon Banza and Gedeon Kalulu come on to replace knackered pair Cedric Bakambu and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Even one of the world's best midfielders isn't immune from being substituted.

Vitinha is sacrificed to allow Goncalo Ramos to enter the field.

Roberto Martinez has gone for two up top.

That's probably what this game needs, in fairness.

You know what they say... champions always find a way.

But will Portugal fall into that bracket tonight? Or are DR Congo too tough a nut to crack?

It feels like the latter at present, but Portugal are improving as the game enters its latter stages.

DR Congo work it well after breaking clear after a poor Portugal corner.

But it's a tired finish from Cedric Bakambu, who blazes his shot over the crossbar.

That was a great opportunity for the Real Betis forward, squandered.

Portugal have upped the ante since the hydration break.

A Selecao's tempo has noticeably increased and DR Congo are looking nervous.

DR Congo roll the dice, with Charles Pickel and Joris Ditu on for Edo Kayembe and Ngal Mukau.

Cristiano Ronaldo has roared into life in the last 10 minutes or so.

The 41-year-old misses again at the near post, from another low cross.

It was closer this time but a winner still evades Ronaldo.

The night is over for Nuno Mendes and Pedro Neto.

Nelson Semedo and Rafael Leao come on to replace them.