Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Congo in a surprise result during the 2023 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with forward Wissy scoring the decisive goal in the 72nd minute, according to official match data from the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). The loss marks a rare setback for the European champions, who had entered the game as heavy favorites. Cristiano Ronaldo, who started the match but failed to register a shot on target, remained scoreless in his 12th appearance of the campaign, according to the FIFA match report.
The result disrupted Portugal’s previously unblemished qualifying record, as Congo, ranked 97th in the world, secured their first-ever victory against the European champions. The match, played at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, saw Portugal struggle to break down a resolute Congo defense, with the hosts’ goalkeeper, Mwamba Mwaba, making six saves, per the official match statistics.
What Happened in the Match?
The game began with Portugal dominating possession, controlling 68% of the ball in the first half, according to the FIFA match pass map. However, their attacking efforts were stifled by Congo’s organized defense, which recorded 14 interceptions and 11 clearances, per the official data. Ronaldo, who had scored 11 goals in his previous 12 qualifiers, was largely isolated in attack, with his only notable effort coming in the 32nd minute when he curled a free kick just wide of the post, as reported by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) match highlights.
Congo’s breakthrough came in the 72nd minute when Wissy, the 24-year-old forward from Belgian club Charleroi, latched onto a through ball from midfielder Yannick Bokila. Wissy’s low finish past Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa secured the victory, with the goal being confirmed by the video assistant referee (VAR) after a brief review for offside, according to the FIFA match report.
Portugal’s second-half substitutions, including the introduction of Rafael Leão and Pedro Gonçalves, failed to generate meaningful chances. The team’s final shot on target came in the 89th minute when Bruno Fernandes’ long-range effort was saved by Mwaba, as per the official match data.
Why Did Portugal Lose?
The defeat exposed vulnerabilities in Portugal’s attacking structure, particularly their reliance on Ronaldo. Despite his 144 international goals, the 38-year-old forward was limited to 22 touches in the match, with only three of those occurring in the final third, according to the FIFA match tracking data. His lack of impact contrasted sharply with his previous form, where he had averaged 1.2 shots per game in qualifiers this cycle.
Congo’s tactical approach, led by head coach Milovan Rajevac, proved effective. The team employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the midfield duo of Bokila and Mwana Mwene maintaining control of the center of the pitch. Their defensive discipline, with 19 successful tackles and 11 interceptions, stifled Portugal’s creative players, including Bruno Fernandes and João Félix, as noted in the match analysis by BBC Sport.
The loss also highlighted Portugal’s struggles against teams that prioritize counterattacks. Congo’s speed on the wings, particularly from winger Muyumba Mwamba, created multiple dangerous opportunities, with the player recording three successful dribbles and two key passes, according to the FIFA match data.
What Does This Mean for the Qualifying Group?
The result has shifted the dynamics in Group A, where Portugal now trails leaders Belgium by three points after five matches. Congo, meanwhile, climbed to second place with seven points, just one point behind Portugal. The group remains tightly contested, with Switzerland and Ukraine also in the mix, according to the FIFA qualification standings.
The defeat also raises questions about Portugal’s preparation for the 2023 World Cup. Manager Fernando Santos, who has led the team since 2016, faces pressure to address the squad’s lack of depth. The absence of a reliable striker to complement Ronaldo has been a recurring issue, with the team scoring 14 goals in 12 qualifiers this cycle—a stark contrast to their 2018 World Cup campaign, where they scored 15 goals in six matches, as reported by The Guardian.
“We need to analyze why we didn’t perform today,” Santos said in a post-match press conference, according to the FPF’s official statement. “Congo played with great intensity, and we must learn from this.”
What’s Next for Portugal?
Portugal’s next qualifier is scheduled for March 27 against Switzerland in Lisbon. The match will be crucial in determining their World Cup prospects, as a win would restore their three-point lead at the top of the group. However, Switzerland’s recent form, including a 2-1 victory over Ukraine, suggests the game will be a tough test, according to the Swiss Football Association’s match preview.
Ronaldo’s availability for the match remains uncertain. The forward has been dealing with a minor hamstring strain, as reported by his club, Manchester United, in a club statement. If he is fit, his presence could provide the spark needed to break down Switzerland’s defense. However, if he is rested, Portugal may need to rely on younger players like Gonçalves or Leão to step up.
Congo’s next match is a home game against Ukraine on April 1, which could determine their chances of advancing to the World Cup. The team’s coach, Rajevac, has emphasized the importance of maintaining their momentum, stating in a press conference, “We believe we can compete with anyone,” according to the Congolese Football Federation’s official website.
How Does This Compare to Past Upsets?
The result echoes historical upsets in international football, such
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