Shock for favorites: Portugal stunned in World Cup opener

Portugal experienced a shocking upset in their opening World Cup match, falling to an unexpected result against Congo DR. The heavily favored Portuguese side struggled, with star player Cristiano Ronaldo missing multiple scoring opportunities throughout the game.

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The header from Wissa, who only scored one Premier League goal for Newcastle this season, was Congo's first ever World Cup goal.

The match marked a historic moment for Congo DR, who netted their first-ever World Cup goal. Yoane Wissa scored the equalizer just before halftime, leveling the score after Portugal had taken an early lead through Joao Neves. Despite dominating possession, particularly in the first half with over 80 percent ball control, Portugal could not find a decisive goal in the second half.

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A brilliant finish.

Much of the pre-match discussion centered on Cristiano Ronaldo, who, at 41, is playing in his sixth World Cup. While Lionel Messi recently scored a hat-trick in his sixth World Cup, Ronaldo's tally stands at eight goals. Football experts have openly debated whether Ronaldo, given his age and current form, should still be a starting player for Portugal.

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I am crystal clear on that. So let him eventually prove me and everyone else wrong if he believes that we are mistaken.

Petter Veland, a football expert, expressed a clear negative stance before the match, stating, "I am crystal clear on that. He can then prove me and everyone else wrong if he believes we are mistaken." Veland described Ronaldo's presence as the "number nine for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup" as a "gigantic elephant in the room." Former player John Carew also commented that Ronaldo "is most concerned with his own records. This can come at the expense of the team."

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There is a gigantic elephant in the room with Cristiano Ronaldo who is supposed to be number nine for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup.