Portugal should handle DR Congo without too much drama when these sides kick off their World Cup campaigns at NRG Stadium in Houston. The Europeans arrive with real momentum after four wins from their last five outings, most recently beating Nigeria 2-1 and Chile by the same score. DR Congo have shown flashes themselves but lost their most recent game 2-1 to Chile after earlier playoff and friendly successes.
The two nations have never faced each other before so there is no history to draw on. Portugal's predicted starting eleven features Costa in goal behind Cancelo, Dias, Inacio and Mendes with Vitinha and Neves anchoring midfield. Silva, Fernandes and Leão support Ronaldo up top according to RotoWire. DR Congo are expected to line up with Mpasi behind Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe and Masuaku while Mbuku, Sadiki, Moutoussamy and Elia feed Wissa and Bakambu.
Rafael Leão picked up a red card in a warm-up against Chile so his status remains unclear though no other injuries or suspensions have been confirmed for either side. Cristiano Ronaldo remains the focal point for Portugal while Bruno Fernandes and Leão add creativity when available. For DR Congo the goals will likely come from Wissa and Bakambu with Tuanzebe carrying confidence from the playoff win over Jamaica.
DR Congo have not appeared at the World Cup since 1974 so this is a huge moment for them. Portugal meanwhile sit among the genuine title contenders and are heavy favorites here. Expect them to control possession and create plenty of chances against a side still finding its feet at this level.
Recommended Bets
Portugal win @1.22 — Their four victories in the last five games against solid opposition point to a comfortable result against a DR Congo side that has only three recent wins to its name.
Over 2.5 goals @1.85 — Portugal's attack featuring Ronaldo and Fernandes has produced multiple goals in recent matches while DR Congo's games have tended to open up.
Portugal -1.5 handicap @1.95 — The gap in quality and Portugal's strong recent results make a two-goal margin the likeliest outcome in this Group K opener.
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
