Portugal 1-1 DR Congo: Ronaldo and Co. held by brilliant DR Congo

DR Congo have been picking their moments on the counter really well in this second half, and they probably should be 2-1 up.

Cedric Bakambu leads the latest counter and Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki rolls the ball back to Bakambu on the edge of the box.

He has a clear sight of goal but snatches at the chance a little and his effort flies wide.

Bakambu knows he should have at least hit the target there.

Portugal are managing to get the ball to the byline and they’ve cut it back twice for Cristiano Ronaldo.

But on both occasions his effort has gone wide.

Ronaldo is trying to get himself free in the box and Portugal are starting to find his runs.

Okay, just under 20 minutes go and it’s still 1-1 in Houston.

Fair play to DR Congo, they have been so well organized and are shutting down the gaps all over the pitch.

Portugal look lethargic and are struggling with their creativity.

Rafael Leao and Nelson Semedo are on for Portugal to try and get them going.

Leao’s direct running and pace could be exactly what they need.

That is much better from Portugal.

Bruno Fernandes is given too much time to deliver the ball and he picks it out perfectly.

The ball is chested down and Joao Cancelo acrobatically scores with a wonderful overhead kick.

But the offside flag is up and a quick check confirms it was offside.

DR Congo were just a little too hesitant across their defense there. That should give Portugal a bit more confidence to whip the ball in early and often.

Portugal have had most of the ball in this second half so far, but they aren’t looking too dangerous.

DR Congo have sat deep and Portugal have swung a couple of crosses in, but Axel Tuzanebe has made a good sliding block to thwart one attack.

Portugal look very frustrated.

Bernardo Silva had been hauled off at half time with Francisco Conceicao on in his place.

Silva is shown on the TV screens sitting on the bench and he doesn’t look delighted. To be fair, he never usually seems that happy.

Still, the new Real Madrid signing couldn’t really get in the game and Conceicao is more of a traditional winger instead of Silva cutting in from the right.

After the early goal, Portugal boss Roberto Martinez will have been concerned with what he saw in the rest of that first half.

DR Congo are going bonkers, as Yoane Wissa heads home right on half time to make it 1-1.

A corner is played short and the cross comes in and Wissa is left totally unmarked.

The Newcastle United forward rises high and powers home a header to spark wild celebrations on the pitch and in the stands.

What a moment. That is DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal!

Pedro Neto is getting plenty of space on the left and causing problems for DR Congo.

But Portugal’s two main men, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, have been on the periphery of this game.

There are huge roars whenever the ball gets anywhere near Ronaldo. But as of yet he hasn’t had a big chance to score.

Ronaldo has had 14 touches total as we approach half time, with just one touch inside the penalty box.

Look at the scenes in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, as fans react to that Joao Neves goal.

Absolutely wonderful stuff.

That is what you call a watch party!

Okay, DR Congo have settled down.

Newcastle United’s Yoane Wissa whips a low shot wide of the far post and that has DR Congo’s fans cheering.

The underdogs have starting to calm down after that nervous start.

Portugal have taken their foot off the gas a little. That could be a little dangerous.

Wow, Portugal have dominated early on and they are 1-0 up!

Chelsea’s Pedro Neto whips in a delicious cross from the left and the small but mighty Joao Neves times his run to perfection and flicks home a glorious header into the far post.

What a player the young midfielder is and he finished that chance like a veteran.

Portugal 1-0 DR Congo, and the Portugal fans and players are absolutely buzzing with that start.

Joao Neves also points to the heavens as Portugal remember Diogo Jota, who tragically died last summer. His parents are in the stands in Houston as a tribute was made to Jota before the game.

We are off and running Houston and the anthems of both Portugal and DR Congo were magnificent.

Wonderful scenes in the stands and on the pitch.

All eyes are on Cristiano Ronaldo...

There is so much experience in this DR Congo lineup, with Mbembe, Tuanzebe, Masuaka, Wissa and Wan-Bissaka all playing in the Premier League for several years.

DR Congo also have plenty of options on the bench with Gael Kakuta and Noah Sadiki likely to play a key role in the second half.

DR Congo starting lineup

Mpasi-Nzau; Tuanzebe, Mbembe, Kapuadi; Wan-Bissaka, Kayembe, Moutoussamy, Mukau, Masuaku; Wissa, Bakambu

This is some Portugal side that Roberto Martinez has selected.

PSG midfield duo Joao Neves and Vitinha will lock things down there, while Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Pedro Neto will float around and cause havoc in attack.

And of course there is Cristiano Ronaldo, who sets a new record as the oldest outfield player to start a game in World Cup history.

Here is the confirmed starting lineup for Portugal.

Portugal starting lineup confirmed

Costa; Cancelo, Araujo, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Silva, Fernandes, Neto; Ronaldo

A look at the scene in Houston as fans head to the stadium.

What a beautiful sight. The rain has gone. For now.

DR Congo are back at the World Cup and when you look through their squad list, there are some really good players who will line up for them.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is at right back with Axel Tuanzebe and Chancel Mbemba at center back and Arthur Masuaka at left back. They all have vast Premier League experience.

Up top Yoane Wissa’s quality is undoubted, even after a tough first season after his big money move to Newcastle.

Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki is a big talent in midfield, while veterans Cedric Bakumba and Gael Kakuta will provide poise.

DR Congo will surprise plenty of people this summer and don’t be surprised if they get out of Group K.

This is how you can watch Portugal and DR Congo lock horns in Houston, Texas on Wednesday.

How to watch Portugal vs DR Congo live, stream link and start time

Kick off time: 1pm ET Wednesday (June 17)
Venue: NRG Stadium — Houston
TV Channel: Telemundo
Streaming: Stream live on Peacock, en Espanol

Cristiano Ronaldo is 41 years of ago and there is plenty of debate around how big of a role he should play for their team.

Lionel Messi showed on Tuesday that a veteran superstar with a penchant for finishing chances off is still extremely vital at the World Cup.

But can Ronaldo emulate what Messi does for Argentina?

Portugal are set up to create plenty of chances with Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings and a host of talented attacking midfielders.

It feels like Ronaldo will still have a big role to play but he will have to handle having his minutes managed during this tournament.