Man City World Cup 2026 Watch: Bernardo Silva withdrawn at half-time in Portugal vs DR Congo

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Silva was Manchester City’s only representative in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo on Wednesday night, tactically withdrawn at the half-time interval.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 Minutes
23 Touches
17 Accurate Passes
94% Pass Accuracy
4 Passes Into Final Third
1 Tackle
1 Recovery
1 Ground Duel Won
1 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.