Ananya Lohia , USA - Portugal suffered an early setback in their FIFA World Cup campaign after being held to a surprising 1-1 draw by DR Congo at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Wednesday. Entering the match as overwhelming favourites, the 2016 European champions dominated possession but failed to convert their control into goals, allowing DR Congo to script a historic result and claim their first-ever point at a World Cup.

Despite completing 783 passes and controlling large spells of the game, Portugal struggled to create clear-cut chances. João Neves gave Roberto Martinez's side an early lead, but DR Congo remained disciplined and responded through Yoane Wissa, whose goal was the nation's first-ever at a World Cup. Portugal finished with just seven shots, equalling their joint-lowest tally in a World Cup match.

The spotlight was firmly on captain Cristiano Ronaldo and playmaker Bruno Fernandes, both of whom endured difficult outings. Ronaldo managed only 25 touches in 90 minutes and extended his goal drought in major tournaments to 10 matches, while Fernandes failed to create a single chance during normal time. Portugal's lack of creativity in the final third ultimately proved costly against a determined DR Congo side.

The draw has raised fresh questions about Portugal's attacking approach ahead of their crucial group-stage clash against the Colombia national football team. For DR Congo, meanwhile, the result marked a landmark achievement in the country's football history.