Ronaldo: Portugal's World Cup 'far from over'
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- Portugal drew 1-1 with Congo DR in their World Cup opener in Houston on Wednesday, dominating possession but managing just one shot on target.
- Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, played all 90 minutes and went 0-for-3 with all shots off target — a stark contrast to Lionel Messi, who opened his tournament with a hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria on the same day.
- Ronaldo joined Messi as the only players to appear in six World Cups, told reporters "nothing was lacking" post-match, and wrote on Instagram that the tournament is "far from over."
- Ronaldo has not scored a non-penalty goal in a major international competition since June 19, 2021, per the source.
- João Félix said he wasn't surprised by Congo DR's resilience, noting the African side secured its first-ever World Cup point, and predicted Portugal "will definitely improve."
- Portugal will face Uzbekistan on Tuesday in Houston before closing Group K play against Colombia on June 27.
Why it matters: The 1-1 draw against Congo DR — a team earning its first-ever World Cup point — puts immediate pressure on Portugal and on the 41-year-old Ronaldo, who hasn't scored a non-penalty international goal in a major competition since 2021. With Uzbekistan and Colombia still ahead in Group K, Portugal must convert its possession dominance into actual shots on target to avoid a group-stage exit that would end Ronaldo's record sixth World Cup on a flat note.
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