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Cristiano Ronaldo endured a terrible start to the 2026 World Cup as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw with DR Congo.<\/a><\/p>\n Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves headed Roberto Martinez\u2019s side in front early on.<\/p>\n However, Portugal failed to build upon their early lead as the African outfit equalised through Yoane Wissa on the stroke of half time. <\/p>\n Paro v Crocker | Wednesday June 24 from 7pm AEST | Liam Paro gets his long awaited title shot against IBF welterweight champion, Lewis Crocker. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.<\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n Portugal enjoyed the lion\u2019s share of possession but were unable to break the Leopards down.<\/p>\n One of the pre-tournament favourites, Portugal, mustered just seven shots across the 90 minutes, while their only effort on target was Neves\u2019 sixth-minute opener. <\/p>\n Ronaldo, meanwhile, fired off three shots against DR Congo, none of which troubled DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. <\/p>\n The 41-year-old became the oldest outfield player to ever start a World Cup match, but endured a day to forget as he managed just 25 touches – the fewest he has ever had in a major tournament game when he has played the full 90 minutes. <\/p>\n His 25 touches was also the joint-fewest, level with defender Axel Tuanzebe, in the 1-1 draw against DR Congo, of those to play the whole game. <\/p>\n For context, Lionel Messi managed 57 touches in his stunning performance against Algeria, while Kylian Mbappe touched the ball 37 times in his record-breaking two-goal salvo against Senegal. <\/p>\n Interestingly, Erling Haaland only had 20 touches on his World Cup debut, but still managed to score twice in Norway\u2019s 4-1 win over Iraq. <\/p>\n DR Congo hold Portugal to draw | 01:15<\/p>\n The most glaring moment came in the second half as Portugal pushed to find a winner.<\/p>\n A cut back pass was put on a platter for Manchester United superstar Bruno Fernandes to put the Portuguese ahead, but Ronaldo cut across and only succeeded in scuffing a shot well wide of the target.<\/p>\n France legend Thierry Henry was brutal in his assessment post-match on Fox Sports in the US.<\/p>\n \u201cThe team needs to score,\u201d Henry said.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause he wants to score, he goes into the path of Bruno Fernandes.<\/p>\n \u201cIf he goes into that six-yard box, then (the defender) has to follow him and it would have been a tap in for Bruno Fernandes.<\/p>\n \u201cBut because he wants to score, he goes into the path of the back pass and you see both players and it\u2019s easier to defend.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s my thing, the team needs to score, not you.<\/p>\n \u201cYou saw the reaction of Bruno Fernandes at the end, going like let it roll, run, create space so I can tap it in. It didn\u2019t happen.\u201d<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/b><\/p>\n WC LIVE \u2014 Controversy rocks England\u2019s opener; ugly Ronaldo reality in boilover<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n WC DAILY \u2014 Drone shot down in fresh spying scandal; striker arrested for alleged fixing incident<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n