Yoane Wissa's header punished Portugal's sterile control and gave Congo DR a 1-1 draw in Wednesday's World Cup group opener at NRG Stadium, turning an early Portuguese lead into a major frustration. Portugal had 75% possession and 713 passes to 197, but the control rarely became danger.
João Neves strikes early for Portugal
Portugal appeared to have found the ideal start when João Neves scored in the 6th minute, rising to head in after a Pedro Neto delivery into the box. It was Portugal's only shot on target all night, which made the early breakthrough feel less like the start of a surge and more like the exception in a blunt attacking display.
Neves still stood above the rest. Named Man of the Match with an 8.0 rating, he played the full 93 minutes, scored with his only shot on target, made one key pass and completed 84 of 86 passes for 98% accuracy.
Yoane Wissa exposes Portugal's blunt edge
Congo DR absorbed long spells without the ball, but Wissa had already warned Portugal with a dangerous effort from distance before half-time. At the end of the first half, after a short corner and an Arthur Masuaku cross, Wissa headed in the equaliser that changed the tone of the night.
