DR Congo produced a stunning moment of World Cup history on Wednesday, drawing 1-1 with Portugal in their Group K opener in Houston.
João Neves had given Portugal the lead with a header just five minutes into the match, but Wissa responded with a header of his own to level things up and send shockwaves through the tournament.
Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa scored the equalizer in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time, knocking in a header off a pass from Arthur Masuaku following a corner kick.
The goal also make Wissa the first-ever FIFA World Cup goal-scorer for DR Congo as their age long wait for such a moment drew an emotional reaction from the Congolese players and supporters, who witnessed their nation etch its name into the sport’s biggest stage for the very first time.
The result was equally remarkable beyond the goal itself Congo earned its first-ever World Cup point with the draw, having never previously scored or taken a point at the tournament. Prior to today, Congo had last appeared at the World Cup in 1974.
For Portugal, it was a deeply disappointing outcome, Cristiano Ronaldo, playing one day after Lionel Messi’s hat trick, was held scoreless across a full 90 minutes as he was only fortunate to buster only three shots.
The Leopards will take enormous confidence into the rest of Group K, where they face Uzbekistan and Colombia.
