Cristiano Ronaldo Struggles as Portugal Draws 1-1 with DR Congo in World Cup Match

Portugal played DR Congo to a 1-1 draw in a World Cup match held in Houston on Wednesday. Portugal's captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, played the entire game but struggled to make a significant impact, missing two second-half opportunities.

Portugal took an early lead in the sixth minute when Joao Neves headed in a cross from Pedro Neto. However, DR Congo, who earned their first World Cup point, equalized just before half-time with a goal from Yoane Wissa. Despite Portugal dominating possession with 75%, they managed only seven attempts at goal, with only Neves' goal on target.

Ronaldo's performance drew criticism from pundits. Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton, commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, questioned manager Roberto Martinez's decision to keep the 41-year-old on the field for the entire match. Sutton suggested Martinez was "scared to take him off."

Earlier in the tournament, other football superstars had notable performances. On Tuesday, Kylian Mbappe scored two goals for France, becoming their all-time leading scorer. Erling Haaland marked his World Cup debut with two goals for Norway against Iraq. Lionel Messi achieved a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria, moving him level with Miroslav Klose as the joint-leading goalscorer in World Cup finals history.

Ronaldo, who was aiming to become the first player to score in six different World Cups, had his two chances midway through the second half, both set up by Francisco Conceicao. His first effort went wide, and he was pressured during the second. Ronaldo recorded 25 touches, the fewest among Portugal's outfield players who completed the match, and has now gone 10 consecutive major tournament games without scoring. Former England captain Wayne Rooney remarked that Ronaldo "needs chances" to score goals.

(Source: Yahoo Sports Soccer)