Cristiano Ronaldo is 41, and this is almost certainly his last World Cup. So, when Portugal walks out against DR Congo in Houston for their Group K opener, there’s a lot more riding on it than three points.
On paper, this should be comfortable. Portugal arrives as one of the form teams in the tournament, having lost just once in over a dozen matches under Roberto Martínez. The squad reads like a who’s-who of European football: Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva pulling strings in midfield, the Champions League-winning duo of João Neves and Vitinha protecting the back four, and Rúben Dias plus Nuno Mendes anchoring a defense that’s hard to break down. Diogo Costa in goal has a habit of producing big saves exactly when his team needs them. If there’s a question mark, it’s whether Ronaldo himself still has the finishing touch he once had — but with this much creative talent feeding him, he won’t need many chances.
DR Congo, meanwhile, are writing their own story just by being here. This is their first World Cup appearance in 52 years, and players like Yoane Wissa, Chancel Mbemba, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will be desperate to make the occasion count. They won’t be overawed, but the gap in squad depth and tournament experience is significant.
The prediction: Portugal should control possession and territory from the start, with DR Congo likely sitting deep and looking to hit on the counter. Expect Portugal to break through in the first half and add to the lead after the interval. A 3-0 or 3-1 win for Portugal looks the most realistic outcome, setting them up nicely as they chase a first World Cup title alongside Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K.