Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestylePortugal, captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in Houston, with Ronaldo failing to score during the match. Pundit Thierry Henry criticised Ronaldo's play, explaining how his movement to score for himself inadvertently blocked a potential goal for teammate Bruno Fernandes, emphasising that "the team needs to score, not you." BBC's Chris Sutton labelled Portugal manager Roberto Martinez's decision not to substitute Ronaldo as "embarrassing," suggesting Martinez was "scared" to take off the star player despite his ineffective performance. Sutton further argued that Martinez was not acting as the true manager of the Portugal team by allowing Ronaldo to remain on the pitch when the game had passed him by. Ronaldo, who holds 229 caps and 143 goals, is aiming to become the first player to score in six World Cups, with Portugal's next match scheduled against Uzbekistan. In fullThierry Henry perfectly explains what Cristiano Ronaldo did wrong in Portugal’s World Cup draw with DR CongoThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleCristiano Ronaldo appeared in his sixth…

Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by the DR Congo on Wednesday as Cristiano Ronaldo played in a record-equalling sixth World Cup.

PORTUGAL 1-1 DR CONGO: Cristiano Ronaldo and Co were unable to make a winning start to their Group K campaign in Houston despite taking the lead in just the sixth minute

Ronaldo endures a frustrating night as DR Congo earn historic point after 1-1 draw

Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates could only manage a 1-1 draw with Congo in their opening World Cup match

Cristiano Ronaldo's record-equalling sixth World Cup got off to a disappointing start as the Democratic Republic of Congo secured their first ever point at the finals, drawing 1-1…

Cristiano Ronaldo's bid to mark his record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance with victory fell flat as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by the DR Congo

DR Congo shocks Portugal with a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group K opener, despite Ronaldo's missed opportunities.

DR Congo showed good composure, and their defence remained organised. Joao Neves scored for Portugal and Yoane Wissa equalised for DR Congo. | Football News

Analysing the big talking points from the drawn Group K opener in Houston's NRG Stadium

Chances were at a premium in Houston in Group K’s opening fixture.

Cristiano Ronaldo cuts a frustrated figure in opening game of his sixth World Cup

Ronaldo, 41, failed to get on the scoresheet as Portugal drew 1-1 to DR Congo in their World Cup opener in Houston

PORTUGAL 1-1 DR CONGO: Cristiano Ronaldo failed to respond to Lionel Messi's stunning hat-trick as his country were held to a shock draw by their minnow opponents

Christiano Ronaldo’s Portugal side were held to a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. England take on Croatia. Follow all the action.

HOUSTON, June 17 : Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo's two second-half misses against the Democratic Republic of Congo and a mostly anonymous display did little to dissuade those…

Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a pretty forgettable performance in the first match of his sixth World Cup.

HOUSTON (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates could only manage a 1-1 draw with Congo on Wednesday in their opening World Cup match.Congo, which was playing at the…

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal were held to a shock draw by DR Congo.

Cristiano Ronaldo has responded after Portugal’s frustrating start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, telling fans and teammates that the campaign is “far from over” following a 1-1 draw…