--- title: "Ronaldo’s opener ends in frustration as Portugal scrape past DR Congo" description: "Portugal’s tournament favorite needed a late equalizer to salvage a point against DR Congo, with Ronaldo’s inefficiency in front of goal the standout concern." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/cristiano-ronaldo-struggles-in-opener-2e7850dc published: 2026-07-01T22:53:41.985+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T22:53:41.985+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Ronaldo’s opener ends in frustration as Portugal scrape past DR Congo > Portugal’s tournament favorite needed a late equalizer to salvage a point against DR Congo, with Ronaldo’s inefficiency in front of goal the standout concern. Portugal’s tournament opener against DR Congo ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s inefficiency in the final third exposing the team’s lack of cutting edge. Ronaldo, making his 206th international appearance, fired three shots but failed to force DR Congo goalkeeper Ley Matampi into a single save. His finishing was toothless, and he ended the match with zero shots on target—a damning stat for a player of his pedigree. The deadlock was broken in the 63rd minute when DR Congo’s Chancel Mbemba powered in from close range after a defensive lapse, but Portugal clawed back a point in stoppage time through substitute Gonçalo Ramos. The draw leaves Portugal with a nervy start to their campaign, particularly after Ronaldo’s ineffectiveness in attack. The 39-year-old, who has long been the focal point of Portugal’s offense, looked a step behind the DR Congo defense, which stayed compact and disciplined throughout. His inability to create clear-cut chances only amplified concerns about Portugal’s finishing prowess ahead of their next fixtures. In the context of the tournament, this match raises significant questions about Portugal's offensive strategy. With Ronaldo struggling, the team must find alternative ways to score. The reliance on a single player, even one as accomplished as Ronaldo, could be detrimental in knockout scenarios. Moreover, the midfield’s inability to connect effectively with the forwards highlighted a tactical disconnect that needs addressing. If Portugal aims to advance deep into the tournament, they must diversify their attacking threats. The performance against DR Congo also reflects broader issues within the squad. While Portugal boasts a wealth of talent, the lack of cohesion and creativity in the attacking third was evident. Players like Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, who are typically influential, failed to make significant impacts. This suggests that Portugal's tactical setup may require reevaluation; they cannot afford to be overly dependent on Ronaldo if they are to navigate tougher opponents ahead. The reaction to the performance was swift. Portugal manager Roberto Martínez admitted post-match that his side “didn’t play well enough” and acknowledged the need for “more quality in the final third.” DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre, meanwhile, praised his team’s defensive organization, calling it a “solid performance against a big team.” The contrasting emotions between the two camps underscore the pressure on Portugal as they navigate the group stage. What’s next: Portugal face a sterner test in their second group-stage match against Switzerland on June 16, where a similar lack of cutting edge could prove costly. Ronaldo’s sharpness will be under the microscope as Martínez looks to tighten the screws in attack. ## Why this matters Ronaldo’s inefficiency in a tournament opener is a red flag for Portugal. Zero shots on target from a player of his caliber suggests a deeper issue: either a decline in his finishing, a lack of service, or a tactical misfit. With knockout stages looming, every wasted chance could be the difference between progression and an early exit. The draw against DR Congo wasn’t just a scare—it was a warning. ## Frequently asked ### How many shots did Ronaldo have against DR Congo? Ronaldo registered three shots in total but failed to force a single save from DR Congo goalkeeper Ley Matampi. ### Who scored for DR Congo against Portugal? Chancel Mbemba scored DR Congo’s opener in the 63rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error. ### Who equalized for Portugal? Gonçalo Ramos scored the 90+2-minute equalizer for Portugal, salvaging a point in stoppage time. ### What did Roberto Martínez say after the match? Martínez admitted Portugal “didn’t play well enough” and stressed the need for “more quality in the final third.” ## Sources & Citations - [Cristiano Ronaldo: Struggles in opener](https://www.rotowire.com//soccer/player/cristiano-ronaldo-1279) — ClearSports (2026-06-17) --- Cite: Ronaldo’s opener ends in frustration as Portugal scrape past DR Congo. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/cristiano-ronaldo-struggles-in-opener-2e7850dc