Soccer
Roberto Martinez brushed off concerns that Portugal switched off in their World Cup opener against DR Congo, insisting they will grow into the tournament.
Portugal led early on through Joao Neves but were pinned back by Yoane Wissa’s equaliser on the stroke of half-time, with neither side able to find a winner in their 1-1 draw.
The Selecao’s goal was their only effort on target – though Joao Cancelo had a second-half overhead kick disallowed for offside – with their seven shots also one fewer than DR Congo’s eight.
It was the joint-fewest amount of shots they have had in a World Cup match (also seven against South Korea in 2002).
They have now only won their opening game in one of the last five World Cup tournaments (D3 L1). Of sides to appear in all five editions since 2010, this is the joint-fewest wins on MD1 of any team (also one for Australia, Spain and Uruguay).
But Martinez says there is no need to worry just yet, especially as they still have a point on the board in Group K.
“It’s a World Cup, it has many emotions,” he said.
“We all talk about wanting to win; it’s a process in which we need to be able to grow in the tournament in aspects that are important. We need to evaluate very well and grow. We haven’t lost a game; we have a point.
“I think it’s important to realise that we started the game very well. Until the goal, we had depth and reached the final third well.
“The goal changes things; it’s the moment when we want to control possession, keep the ball in areas that allowed Congo to adjust their pressure and try to start a counter-attack. It was a period where we lacked depth and the opportunity to use our speed.
“Congo’s goal came at the most difficult moment for us, but I think we reacted well; the players’ attitude was extraordinary.
“I didn’t like the performance, but I liked the attitude and what they tried to do until the last second. It’s part of the process; we have two more games, and we need to evaluate them well.”
90+5′ Fim do jogo em Houston.#PORCOD | 1-1 | #VaiDarPortugal #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/eePrJPsSW5
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 17, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo, who became the oldest outfield player to feature at a World Cup, has now gone 10 consecutive major tournament games (Euros and World Cup) without hitting the back of the net for Portugal.
But when asked if Ronaldo was left too isolated, Martinez simply said: “Everything that wasn’t done is a choice.
“We need to evaluate the game rationally; we have players between the lines like Bernardo [Silva] and Bruno Fernandes who are the best in the world.
“We have many good players, and we need them all. We will use everything we have to have strengths and different aspects in our game.”
As for DR Congo, Wissa’s goal was their first-ever at a World Cup, with this also the first point they have earned at the tournament.
Including games as Zaire, DR Congo conceded 15 goals at the World Cup before scoring one themselves, but head coach Sebastian Desabre was thrilled with their history-making result.
“It is a tremendous source of pride to have earned Congo DR’s first-ever point at the World Cup, as well as its first goal,” he said.
“The players showed incredible commitment and selflessness. We executed the game plan exactly as we wanted, scored from a set piece, and honestly, I am very proud of my players because they represented the Congo in a very positive way, and the entire country deserves it.”
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