João Neves shines as Portugal held by Congo DR

Portugal went into their World Cup opener against Congo DR as heavy favorites. They left with a 1-1 draw and uncomfortable reminders that tournament football has no guaranteed outcomes.

João Neves gave the early promise. Six minutes in, he perfectly timed a header from Pedro Neto's cross — his fourth international goal. The sequence looked like the start of a rout. But Yoane Wissa's glancing header at 45+5, from Arthur Masuaku's cross, silenced the celebration. Tomás Araújo was ball-watching at the back post when it mattered.

The breakthrough and the bench

Neves' opening goal was only the start of his influence. He earned an 8.0 rating, the highest among Portugal's outfield players, orchestrating 86 passes, winning four duels and finding one key pass. His composed authority in midfield announced him as Portugal's future.

When Portugal's attack stagnated after the break, Francisco Conceição provided a different answer. Brought on as a substitute, he earned a 6.6 rating across 48 minutes, providing two key passes and the kind of relentless pace that can unhinge a compact defense. His performance staked a claim for starting minutes in the group stage.

The questions that remain

Not everything pointed forward. Cristiano Ronaldo finished with a 6.3 across the full 93 minutes, managing three shots but none on target. More concerning: he has now gone nine consecutive major tournament games without a goal. GOAL's assessment was damning: "FIFA needn't have bothered inviting a backlash by suspending Ronaldo's red card suspension so he could feature. On the fringes of the action for 99% of the game, and squandered Portugal's two best chances."

Bernardo Silva lasted barely beyond the first half in his Real Madrid World Cup debut. His 6.3 rating reflected more than the scoreline. Though he completed 17 of 18 passes (94.4% accuracy), the attacking void was glaring. GOAL noted: "Spectacularly failed to justify his surprise free transfer to Real Madrid after lining up on the right wing. Barely had any involvement before being hooked at half-time."

For a side positioned as group favorites, a 1-1 draw with Congo DR in their first World Cup match since 1974 is a missed opportunity. Neves' maturity offers hope. But Ronaldo's continued silence in tournament football and Bernardo's subdued debut mean Portugal cannot afford another stumble.