Portugal draws 1-1 with Congo DR as Ronaldo's impact wanes
Portugal slipped to a 1-1 draw against Congo DR in their World Cup opener, with coach Roberto Martinez citing the need for tactical adjustments after the equaliser and questioning the team's reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Congo DR after taking an early lead through João Neves' header. The match, in which Portugal were favoured, saw Congo DR equalise before halftime and finish with more shots, shots on target and higher expected-goals (xG) than the Portuguese side.
Coach Roberto Martinez said the team changed after conceding, noting that "our attacking patterns were getting us into the final third" before the equaliser, but "the decision-making changed" afterwards. He added that Portugal must "reflect, evaluate, and make adjustments for the next match".
Ronaldo, who played the full 90 minutes, recorded three shot attempts and no chances created, prompting Martinez to comment that the team did not provide sufficient service to the striker and needed to improve ball delivery into dangerous areas.
Congo DR coach Sébastien Desabre praised his squad's mental resilience, saying they were able to reset after a difficult start and get back on track.
Statistically, Ronaldo has not scored in his last ten World Cup and European Championship matches, and Portugal's goal average in recent competitions is higher when he does not start. Martinez acknowledged the need to utilise Ronaldo’s quality while also developing alternative attacking options.
