Η Πορτογαλία σκοντάφτει με ισοπαλία στο Κονγκό και ο Νταλότ απαντά

Flat start: Portugal 1–1 DR Congo in the opener

Portugal began Group K with a 1–1 draw against DR Congo, and it was not the statement anyone wanted (2). Cristiano Ronaldo had his 18th World Cup appearance, breaking his own record, but the goal drought continues. João Neves delivered a clean assist to Diogo Dalot for the goal, though Yoane Wissa equalised for Congo (2).

Dalot fires back: 'A lot of people don't want Portugal to win'

Diogo Dalot came out swinging after the draw. "Há muita gente que não quer que Portugal ganhe" (3). He revealed the squad had a detailed conversation in the locker room before the tournament even started, almost anticipating the criticism that would come (2). "A mensagem é clara: estamos unidos e fortes" (7). The message is clear: the group is not cracking.

Dalot on Ronaldo criticism: 'Everyone knows what he can do'

The questions about Ronaldo keep coming, and Dalot is not having it. "Críticas a Ronaldo? Todos conhecem a capacidade que tem," he said in the press conference ahead of Tuesday's match against Uzbekistan (4). Dalot dismissed the idea that outside noise is destabilising the camp: the team sees this coming and is shielded against it (2) (3).

Neves' girlfriend stirs the pot: 'Tell your GOAT to retire'

Madalena Aragao, João Neves' girlfriend, lit a fire online with a direct shot at Ronaldo fans. "Sag deinem GOAT, er soll in Rente gehen. Er ist sehr eigensinnig!" she wrote, telling them their GOAT should retire because he is too stubborn (9). The timing is awkward, with Portugal preparing for Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

Tomás Araújo still out of training

Defender Tomás Araújo remains absent from training ahead of the Uzbekistan match (10). No official word on the nature of the issue, but his continued absence is a concern with the group stage now underway.

Referee set for Uzbekistan clash

A referee has been appointed for Portugal's second Group K match against Uzbekistan on Tuesday (5). The stakes are clear: anything less than three points and the group gets tight fast.

Off the pitch: Janderson heading to Moreirense

Brazilian centre-back Janderson is on his way to Portugal to join Moreirense (1). A domestic move to keep an eye on while the national team navigates the World Cup.