Portugal dominated possession with 75 per cent against DR Congo's compact 5-3-2 defensive shape in their World Cup Group K opener, yet the sides shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw at Al-Jassim's whistle. The hosts controlled territory and created chances worth 0.65 xG, though their goalkeeper faced only two shots on target and saved one, conceding 0.97 xG in the process. DR Congo, operating on the counter from deep, generated a respectable 0.87 xG from eight attempts, with two on target, suggesting they posed a genuine threat on the break despite their 25 per cent possession. Neither side converted their clear-cut opportunities, leaving both teams with a point apiece in a match where Portugal's territorial advantage failed to translate into victory. The result sets up a critical second match for both nations in their group campaign.