Ronaldo, it's your turn — Portugal begins its road to WC title against DR Congo

Lionel Messi reminded the football world of his brilliance last night, firing Argentina to victory with a stunning hat-trick against Algeria. Now, the spotlight shifts to his longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo, as Portugal begin their World Cup journey against DR Congo in Houston.

The Portuguese arrive at NRG Stadium with ambitions that stretch far beyond the group stage. For a nation still chasing its first-ever World Cup title, every match matters, and Roberto Martinez's side enters the tournament carrying the weight of expectation.

While Ronaldo remains the face of Portuguese football at 41 years old, this squad is far from a one-man show. In fact, Portugal's greatest strength may lie in the wealth of talent surrounding their legendary captain. From a midfield packed with creativity and control to a defense loaded with experience, Martinez has assembled one of the deepest squads at the tournament.

A victory in the opening game would not guarantee success, but it would send a clear message to the rest of the competition that Portugal means business.

Standing in their way is DR Congo, a team making its first World Cup appearance since competing as Zaire back in 1974. Few expect the African side to trouble one of the tournament favorites, but recent results have shown that underdogs cannot be underestimated. Spain's frustrating draw against Cabo Verde served as another reminder that African nations are more than capable of producing surprises on football's biggest stage.

Head coach Sebastien Desabre will be hoping his players draw confidence from such performances. However, stopping Portugal's attack is likely to be an entirely different challenge. During qualification, the Portuguese regularly overwhelmed opponents and showcased their attacking firepower, scoring goals at an extraordinary rate.

With players like Vitinha, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes supplying chances, Ronaldo will fancy his chances of adding to his incredible international goal tally. DR Congo are expected to defend deep, remain compact and look for opportunities on the counterattack — an approach that has already frustrated several bigger nations during the tournament.

The Congolese side has already shown resilience on its road to the World Cup, overcoming the likes of Cameroon, Nigeria and Jamaica to secure qualification through the inter-confederation playoffs. That experience could prove valuable against elite opposition.

Still, the difference in quality between the two squads is significant. Portugal possesses superior depth, more individual match-winners and considerably greater experience at this level. Anything other than three points would be viewed as a disappointment.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, is set to make his sixth World Cup appearance and will be eager to mark the occasion with a goal. The veteran was fortunate to be available for the tournament opener after FIFA postponed a suspension he received following his dismissal in a qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.

Martinez also has several selection decisions to make. Rafael Leao offers pace and directness, but Bernardo Silva's intelligence and creativity could be particularly useful against a defense likely to sit deep for long periods.

BETTING GUIDE: Portugal vs DRC Congo, England vs Croatia, World Cup predictionss

Paris Saint-Germain teammates Nuno Mendes, Vitinha and Joao Neves are all expected to feature, while Ruben Dias should partner Goncalo Inacio in central defense. Diogo Costa is set to start in goal, with Joao Cancelo occupying the right-back position.

DR Congo have no major injury concerns, although Desabre must decide whether to use a more defensive five-man back line or stick with a traditional 4-5-1 system. His defense includes several familiar names, among them Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe and Arthur Masuaku.

In midfield, Sunderland standout Noah Sadiki will have a crucial role in trying to contain Portugal's technically gifted players, while Yoane Wissa carries the hopes of the nation in attack as he looks to make an impact on the world's biggest stage.

All eyes may be on Ronaldo, but Portugal's opening test is about much more than one man. It is the first step in what they hope will become a historic World Cup campaign.

WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE

Wednesday

Iraq - Norway 1-3 (1-2)

/Hussein 39 - Haaland 29, 43 Ostigard 76/

Argentina - Algeria 3-0 (1-0)

/Messi 17, 60, 76/

Austria - Jordan 3-1 (1-0)

/Schmid 21, Al-Arab 76 og, Arnautovic 90+12 pen - Olwan 50/

20.00: (1.30) Portugal (5.20) Dr Congo (11.0)

23.00: (1.75) England (3.90) Croatia (5.00)

Thursday

02.00: (2.25) Ghana (3.20) Panama (3.40)

05.00: (8.50) Uzbekistan (4.50) Colombia (1.42)

19.00: (1.80) Czech R. (3.50) S.Africa (4.70)

22.00: (1.65) Switzerland (3.60) B&H (5.80)

***odds are subject to change***