BY KUNLE SOLAJA, VANCOUVER.

Cristiano Ronaldo has urged Portugal to remain focused on their FIFA World Cup campaign after they were held to a surprise 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo in their Group K opener on Wednesday.

The Portugal captain took to his X account shortly after the match to rally his teammates and supporters following a frustrating start to the tournament.

“It wasn’t the start we wanted, but this is far from over. Head up and focus on the next game,” Ronaldo posted.

Portugal entered the tournament among the favourites but were unable to secure victory against a determined Congolese side making its first World Cup appearance in 52 years.

Joao Neves gave Portugal an early lead after six minutes, heading home a cross from Pedro Neto to put the Europeans in control. However, DR Congo grew into the contest and were rewarded in first-half stoppage time when Yoane Wissa headed in Arthur Masuaku’s cross to score his country’s first-ever World Cup goal.

Despite dominating possession for long periods, Portugal struggled to break down the disciplined Congolese defence in the second half.

Ronaldo, appearing at a record-equalling sixth World Cup alongside Argentina captain Lionel Messi, endured a difficult afternoon. The 41-year-old, who became the oldest player to start a World Cup match, was closely marked throughout and missed two opportunities from close range.

The draw leaves Group K wide open, with Portugal now under pressure to secure a positive result in their next outing against Uzbekistan.

For DR Congo, meanwhile, the result was celebrated as a landmark achievement, earning a valuable point against one of Europe’s leading nations and marking a memorable return to football’s biggest stage.

While the result fell short of Portugal’s expectations, Ronaldo’s message reflected a determination within the squad to quickly move on and keep their World Cup ambitions firmly on track.

 

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, VANCOUVER, CANADA

Switzerland will seek to continue their impressive record against fellow European opposition at the FIFA World Cup when they take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in a potentially decisive group-stage clash.

The Swiss have won four of their last six World Cup group matches against UEFA opponents, demonstrating an ability to rise to the occasion when facing familiar continental rivals on football’s biggest stage.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, however, arrive determined to make history as they prepare to face a European opponent for the first time in the FIFA World Cup competition.

The encounter pits Switzerland’s tournament experience against Bosnia’s ambition, with both sides aware that victory could provide a significant boost in the race for qualification.

Switzerland will rely on their traditional strengths of organisation, discipline and tactical efficiency, while Bosnia will hope to showcase the attacking flair that helped them earn a place at the expanded tournament.

With the group finely balanced, neither side can afford to drop points as the battle for a knockout-round place intensifies.

 

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, VANCOUVER, CANADA..

South Africa will be desperate to keep their FIFA World Cup campaign on track when they face Czechia in a crucial Group-stage encounter on Thursday.

Bafana Bafana are seeking to avoid successive World Cup defeats for the first time in their history and know that a positive result could significantly boost their chances of progressing to the knockout rounds.

The match rekindles a rare international rivalry, with the only previous meeting between the two nations ending in a 2-2 draw during the group stage of the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup.

South Africa will take encouragement from their fighting spirit despite their opening setback and will be hoping to draw inspiration from the continent’s strong performances at the expanded 48-team tournament.

Czechia, meanwhile, enter the contest eager to strengthen their position in the group and maintain momentum in their quest for a place in the last 32.

For South Africa, the encounter represents more than just three points. It is an opportunity to revive their campaign and underline Africa’s growing influence on football’s biggest stage.

With qualification implications already looming large, Bafana Bafana know that another defeat would leave them facing an uphill task in the remaining group matches.

 

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