HOUSTON: An impressive DR Congo side held heavy favorites Portugal to a disappointing 1-1 draw in their World Cup opener.

Portugal took an early lead in the sixth minute when midfielder Joao Neves headed home a Pedro Neto cross, but Roberto Martinez’s side failed to capitalize on their dominant possession.

DR Congo punished them in first-half stoppage time when an unmarked Yoane Wissa headed in Arthur Masuaku’s cross to score the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal—a stark contrast to their 1974 debut as Zaire, where they lost all three matches without scoring.

The 46th-ranked African team proved formidable, defending stoutly, threatening on the counter, and seeing Cedric Bakambu strike the post.

Meanwhile, 41-year-old Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo made history by appearing in his sixth World Cup finals, matching Lionel Messi, but missed his two best chances to score in a sixth tournament by firing just wide twice in the second half.

Ultimately, a toothless Portugal finished the match with just four total shots, leaving Neves’ early goal as their solitary effort on target.