The DR Congo striker, Yoanne Wissa has levelled the game for his side against Portugal with a powerful header. This is also the first goal that DR Congo has scored in the history of the FIFA World Cup. Just before the stroke of half time, it seemed like Portugal would go into the break with the lead but the players of DR Congo had other plans. The corner was taken shortly and the delivery from outside the box came from the boot of Arthur Masuaku. Yoanne Wissa was left unmarked in the middle of the box and you would demand better from teams of the quality of Portugal. He had nothing much to do but to just place the header in the perfect position and he did perfectly well.

The competition between the two sides has been dominated by Portugal with almost 80% of the ball possession. The tactic of DR Congo has been pretty simple, that is to lie deep in their own half and wait for an opportunity to pounce on the counter. A common factor in both the goals of the countries would be the lack of man-marking, Both the teams will have to get back to the drawing board and learn the basics of set-piece defending as both Yoanne Vissa and Joao Neves were left unmarked in a dangerous area in the box.

DR Congo's resilient defence frustrates Portugal

Portugal drew first blood in the first half with a fine cross angling in from the flank by Pedro Neto and it found the head of Joao Neves in the D-box. The youngster was clinical in his finish and he also became the third youngest goalscorer for Portugal in FIFA World Cup history. Even with a significant amount of the possession of the ball, Portugal has taken just 4 shots at goal. They are repeating the playing style of Spain that was on display against Cape Verde as they are unable to breach the last line of defense. There has been a couple of half-chances but they haven’t had any golden chances like Joao Neves got when he gave Portugal the lead.

DR Congo have done a brilliant job in their defensive setup to hold Portugal off the attack. They have put back a solid 5 and Portugal haven’t been able to break it. The African side has been just waiting patiently in their half and every time there has been a loose ball, they have pounced on it. The idea of the quick counter-attack hasn’t exactly played well for them but their lethal finishing from set-pieces would be detrimental to their success. DR Congo could possibly pull off a draw against Portugal in this game and it would be a historic achievement for the nation while returning to the tournament after more than 50 years.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his men will be keen on breaking the deadlock with yet another goal to their name but it will be important that they keep their composure. DR Congo on the other hand would be looking to manage a draw against a star studded Portugal side.