Man City World Cup 2026 Watch: Bernardo Silva withdrawn at half-time in Portugal vs DR Congo | OneFootball

Bernardo Silva was Manchester City’s only representative in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo on Wednesday night, tactically withdrawn at the half-time interval.

An impressive DR Congo side threw a spanner in the works for Portugal’s World Cup opener, fighting back to secure a well-earned 1-1 draw at Houston Stadium, after midfielder João Neves put Roberto Martínez’s men ahead in the sixth minute with a sharp header.

Despite monopolising possession, the Seleção failed to turn their dominance into clear-cut opportunities and were punished deep into first-half injury time as an unmarked Yoane Wissa capitalised on a fine Arthur Masuaku delivery to nod home from close range.

The world’s 46th-ranked nation proved to be a formidable adversary 52 years after their debut in the competition, executing a disciplined defensive game plan while remaining hazardous on the counter-attack, with Cédric Bakambu rattling the woodwork.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo made history by matching Lionel Messi’s record of appearing in six different World Cup finals, though the 41-year-old was left frustrated in his pursuit of becoming the first player to score in six separate editions.

The veteran forward squandered Portugal’s best late chances, dragging two second-half cutbacks wide from substitute Francisco Conceição, leaving Neves’ early header as the heavy favorites’ solitary shot on target during a toothless team performance.

Bernardo Silva match statistics vs DR Congo

45 Minutes23 Touches17 Accurate Passes94% Pass Accuracy4 Passes Into Final Third1 Tackle1 Recovery1 Ground Duel Won1 Accurate Long Ball

Matheus Nunes was an unused substitute in the match.

Ruben Dias was unavailable for Portugal vs DR Congo due to a lack of match fitness.

Data courtesy of FotMob.