Tuanzebe shuts down mentor Ronaldo as DR Congo stun Portugal at World Cup

DR Congo held Portugal to a goalless draw in Houston on their first World Cup appearance since 1974, with Axel Tuanzebe producing a commanding defensive display to nullify a toothless Cristiano Ronaldo and deepen questions about the 41-year-old’s ability to perform on the game’s biggest stage.

Tuanzebe, who shared a dressing room with Ronaldo at Manchester United and once sought his advice on the training ground at Carrington, showed no sentiment when it came to shutting his former mentor out of the contest. The Burnley centre-back was central to a defensive effort that reduced one of football’s all-time leading scorers to a peripheral figure.

“Cristiano is still hungry, he still wants to play, he still wants to show everybody how good he is,” Tuanzebe said after the match. “He will be disappointed, but that’s my job. I’m sure Cristiano, wherever he goes, he’ll bring a swarm of fans with him. But ultimately, we’re just happy about the result.”

Congo team-mate Ngaleyel Mukau was less diplomatic, admitting his side had formulated no specific plan to contain Ronaldo — because they did not feel they needed one. “He’s one of the greatest to ever play the game. So much respect to him. But to be honest, there was no plan, not really, because we know that he isn’t the same as before,” Mukau said. “He’s a bit older now. When you get old like that, it’s not the same effort that you can make.”

Ronaldo, who has spoken publicly about chasing a milestone of 1,000 career goals, was visibly deflated after the final whistle. Signing autographs pitchside, he offered a measured assessment: “What was missing? Nothing was missing, that’s football. Portugal could have won, but it could also have lost. It could have gone either way.” On social media he added: “It wasn’t the start we wanted, but this is far from over. Heads up and focus on the next game.”

For Tuanzebe, the result carries personal significance beyond the tactical. He endured a difficult Premier League season that ended in relegation with Burnley, and the World Cup draw has provided a timely lift. “It’s definitely a positive for me personally. Getting good results always feels good,” he said. “Our mission now is to qualify. We need one win, we’ve got two games to do that — and we’re definitely going to go one hundred per cent at it, whether it be Colombia or Uzbekistan.”