Cristiano Ronaldo started for Portugal Wednesday afternoon in their FIFA World Cup opener against DR Congo but was held without a goal.
Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo, opening the tournament with a disappointing result considering their status as heavy favourites in Group K. Joao Neves scored in the opening minute for Portugal but Yoana Wissa equalized for DR Congo in first-half stoppage time as they earned their first World Cup point.
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This was a record-tying sixth World Cup appearance for the 41-year-old captain, tying Argentina great Lionel Messi, who accomplished the feat by scoring a hat trick Tuesday night against Algeria.
Ronaldo’s 143 international goals, eight of which have come at the World Cup, are the most in men’s soccer history. He scored once at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as Portugal made the quarter-final where they fell to Morocco.
When it comes to club soccer, Ronaldo is no longer competing in the top leagues in the world, but still has a scoring touch with 129 goals over four seasons with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
This is Portugal’s seventh straight appearance at the World Cup.
