Portugal vs DR Congo: Ronaldo's Last World Cup Begins in Houston

Few stories at this World Cup carry the weight of the one that begins at the NRG Stadium in Houston. Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, opens his sixth consecutive World Cup — confirmed to be his last — still chasing the one major trophy that has eluded him across an extraordinary career. Portugal's Group K campaign starts here, against opponents with a remarkable tale of their own.

DR Congo are back at football's biggest table for the first time in 52 years, having last appeared in 1974 under the name Zaire. They reached the finals the hard way, edging Jamaica 1-0 in an intercontinental playoff to seal their return, and they arrive with nothing to lose and a nation behind them. For Sébastien Desabre's side, simply being here is already a triumph.

Portugal, by contrast, arrive among the tournament favourites and will expect to win comfortably. Roberto Martínez has a squad blessed with depth and pace — the kind of forward options that can stretch and eventually break down a stubborn defence. The expectation is a fast start, designed to settle nerves and put the result beyond doubt before the game can become a test of patience.

The narrative, inevitably, centres on Ronaldo. The all-time leader in men's international appearances and goals has never won a World Cup, and at 41 this is his final shot at completing the set. How Martínez manages his minutes across a long tournament will be a story in itself, but in the opener, against opponents Portugal should beat, expect their captain to want to make an early mark.

DR Congo's route to anything from this game runs through discipline and defensive organisation. Desabre is likely to set up compact, deny Portugal space between the lines, and look to spring forward on the counter when the chance comes. It is the well-worn underdog blueprint, and against a Portugal side that has occasionally laboured to break down deep blocks, it is not without hope.

Group K also contains Uzbekistan and Colombia, which sharpens the stakes: a slow start here could leave Portugal chasing later. That context only strengthens the case that they will come out with intent and aim to bank three goals and three points rather than risk a nervy afternoon.

From a betting perspective, and we keep this understated as always, the market makes Portugal heavy favourites for sound reasons — the gulf in squad quality is considerable, and they have every incentive to start strongly. A straightforward Portugal win looks the most likely script, though a well-drilled DR Congo could yet keep the margin respectable. For information only, 18+: shorter-priced favourites like this offer little value on the headline result, so if you are interested, the goals and player markets are usually where the thinking is done.