Roberto Martinez has dismissed considerations that Portugal switched off of their World Cup opener in opposition to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, insisting they may enhance heading into the match.
Portugal took an early lead with a aim from Joao Neves, however they have been equalized by Yoan Huissa simply earlier than half-time, and neither crew might discover a winner, leading to a 1-1 draw.
The Selecao’s solely objectives have been photographs on the right track and Joao Cancelo’s overhead kick within the second half was disallowed for offside, however they’d seven photographs, one lower than DR Congo’s eight.
This was the bottom variety of photographs they took in a World Cup match (seven in opposition to South Korea in 2002).
They’ve now solely gained their opening match in one of many final 5 World Cup tournaments (D3 L1). Of the groups which have competed in all 5 editions since 2010, that is the bottom variety of wins in MD1 of any crew (together with Australia, Spain and Uruguay).
However Martinez mentioned there was no want to fret but, particularly as they nonetheless had factors in Group Ok.
“That is the World Cup and there are a whole lot of feelings,” he mentioned.
“All of us discuss eager to win. It is a course of the place we’d like to have the ability to develop within the match in vital elements. We have to consider very nicely and develop. We’ve not misplaced a recreation. We have now gained factors.”
“I believe it is vital to acknowledge that we began the sport very nicely, we had good depth till the tip and we acquired into the ultimate third nicely.
“Targets change issues. It is a second the place we wish to management the ball, preserve the ball in areas the place Congo can regulate the stress and begin a counter-attack. It was a interval the place we lacked the chance to make use of our depth and velocity.”
“The Congo aim got here on the most tough second for us, however I believe we responded nicely and the perspective of the gamers was distinctive.
“I did not just like the efficiency, however I appreciated the perspective and the hassle they put in till the final second. That is a part of the method. We have now two video games left so now we have to judge them nicely.”
90+5′ Sport ends in Houston. #PORCOD | 1-1 | #VidalPortugal #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/eePrJPsSW5
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 17, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo, the oldest outfield participant to play in a World Cup, has performed 10 consecutive video games for Portugal in main tournaments (Euros and World Cup) with out scoring a aim.
However when requested if Ronaldo had turn out to be too remoted, Martinez mentioned: “Every part that wasn’t completed was a alternative.
“We have now to judge the sport rationally. Between the traces now we have the very best gamers on this planet like Bernardo (Silva) and Bruno Fernandes.
“We have now a whole lot of good gamers and we’d like all of them. We’ll use every thing now we have to play to our strengths and totally different elements of our recreation.”
Ouissa’s aim was DR Congo’s first within the World Cup, and in addition their first level within the match.
Head coach Sebastien Desabre was thrilled with the historic consequence, though the Democratic Republic of the Congo conceded 15 objectives earlier than scoring one themselves on the World Cup, together with their video games as Zaire.
“It is a matter of nice delight for the Democratic Republic of Congo to get our first level and our first aim on the World Cup,” he mentioned.
“The gamers confirmed unbelievable dedication and selflessness. We executed the sport plan precisely as we needed and scored from set-pieces. To be sincere, I am very happy with the gamers as a result of they represented Congo in a really optimistic method. The entire nation deserves it.”
