Portugal, Congo DR play to 1‑1 draw in World Cup group opener

HOUSTON (Interstat) — Portugal and Congo DR settled for a 1-1 draw Wednesday at Reliant Stadium in a World Cup group-stage match.

João Neves opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a header off an assist from Nélson Semedo. Congo DR equalized deep into first-half stoppage time, as Yoane Wissa headed home a pass from Chancel Mbemba in the 45th plus fifth minute.

Bernardo Silva assisted Tomás Araújo’s effort, while Araújo also had an assist. Both teams finished with 0-0-1 records in the competition; Portugal entered with a 4-1-2 mark across all competitions, while Congo DR was 1-1-1 overall.

Yellow cards were issued to Bernardo Silva in the 13th minute, Mbemba in the 32nd, Semedo in the 88th and Araújo in second-half stoppage time.

Congo DR previously lost 3-2 to Senegal and beat South Sudan 4-1. Portugal most recently defeated Armenia 9-1 and lost 2-0 to Ireland, with other results including draws and wins against Hungary and Ireland. Both teams next play June 23, with Portugal facing Uzbekistan and Congo DR meeting Colombia.