FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Portugal got off to a shaky start in their World Cup campaign, holding the Democratic Republic of Congo to a 1-1 draw in their opening Group K match in Houston.
The Portuguese team started the match in the best possible way, taking the lead in the 6th minute. After a precise cross from Pedro Neto, Joao Neves found himself in the right place and headed the ball into the net for 1-0.
Congo reacted quickly and in the 11th minute came close to equalizing through Joan Uisa, but his attempt ended up just wide of the left post. The following minutes were characterized by a slower pace and few clear scoring chances, until the end of the first half.
In the extra time of the first half, the Africans restored the balance. Artur Masuaku crossed into the area, while Joan Uisa headed the ball in for a 1-1 score, with which the teams headed to the locker rooms.
In the second half, Portugal thought they had regained the lead in the 55th minute through Joao Cancelo, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Just two minutes later, Congo came very close to scoring a second goal, but Cedric Bakambu's shot was blocked by the post.
Portugal increased the pressure in search of victory and created two golden opportunities with Cristiano Ronaldo in the 69th and 74th minutes, but the striker failed to finish after assists from Francisco Conceicao.
Congo also had its chance to get the three points, when in the 77th minute Noah Sadiki tried from close range, but the ball went wide of the left post.
In the first minute of added time of the second half, Bruno Fernandes attempted to decide the fate of the challenge with a shot from distance, but the ball ended up too close to the right post.
In the end, the match held in Houston ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that is considered a surprise, given Portugal's status as one of the tournament's main contenders.
Lini një Përgjigje