Portugal begin another attempt to conquer football’s biggest stage when they face the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston, with Roberto Martínez’s side hoping this will finally be the tournament where their golden generation delivers World Cup glory.
For DR Congo, however, the occasion is about more than just three points, as it marks their return to the global stage after a 52-year absence and a chance to rewrite a difficult World Cup history.
Portugal Chase Elusive World Cup Glory
Portugal arrive among the favourites for the tournament after a dominant qualifying campaign and a run of impressive form.
The Selecao have lost just once in their last 13 matches, winning ten and drawing two, with their final competitive outing before the finals ending in a remarkable 9-1 victory over Armenia.
That attacking form has reinforced belief that Portugal have the talent to go all the way, but history continues to provide a warning.
Despite their status as one of Europe’s strongest nations, Portugal have reached the World Cup semi-finals only once since 1966.
Slow starts have also troubled them in recent tournaments. They have won just one of their last four World Cup opening matches, drawing two and losing one, although their most recent victory came against African opposition when they defeated Ghana 3-2 in Qatar.
Now, with another opportunity in front of them, Portugal must turn potential into performance.
DR Congo Return After Five Decades
DR Congo will step onto the World Cup stage for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire.
That campaign remains a difficult memory, with Zaire losing all three matches and conceding 14 goals without scoring.
Their return represents one of the longest waits between World Cup appearances, and qualification was secured dramatically through a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in an inter-confederation play-off.
Under coach Sébastien Desabre, the Leopards have developed into a competitive side, although their preparations have been disrupted by challenges away from the pitch, including travel restrictions affecting supporters due to an Ebola outbreak in the country.
DR Congo failed to win either of their warm-up matches but will arrive believing they can make their presence felt.
First Meeting Between Nations
Portugal and DR Congo have never previously faced each other.
Portugal’s last World Cup campaign ended in disappointment against African opposition, with Morocco eliminating them in the 2022 quarter-finals, although they defeated Nigeria 2-1 in their final warm-up match.
Key Players to Watch
All eyes will once again be on Cristiano Ronaldo, who enters his sixth World Cup as the only player in history to score at five different editions of the tournament.
The veteran captain has scored 13 World Cup goals, and three of his last four scoring appearances at the finals have come against African opposition.
DR Congo will look towards Cédric Bakambu for attacking inspiration. The striker scored four goals during qualifying, with every goal arriving before half-time.
Neither side has reported major injury concerns ahead of the opener.
Numbers That Matter
- Portugal have scored in ten consecutive World Cup matches before their defeat to Morocco in 2022.
- Nine of Portugal’s last 13 matches produced over 2.5 goals.
- Eighteen of DR Congo’s last 22 victories were accompanied by clean sheets.
- DR Congo’s last four conceded goals all arrived after the 50th minute.
Kick-off is set for tonight at 8 pm.
