Portugal enter this Group K opener as clear favourites, and not just because of the names on the shirt. Roberto Martínez has built a side that can hold the ball, change tempo quickly, and attack from both flanks without losing midfield balance.
The big question is whether they can turn that control into an early statement. Tournament openers can be strange little beasts. Nerves creep in, favourites get tense, and underdogs smell their chance. Still, Portugal’s recent rhythm suggests they will try to start fast rather than ease into the night.
DR Congo should arrive with a very different plan. Sebastien Desabre’s 5-3-2 shape is designed to crowd central areas, protect the penalty box, and release Wissa or Bakambu whenever Portugal’s full-backs push too high. It’s pragmatic, but not passive.
Set pieces and second balls may matter more than people expect. DR Congo have enough physical presence to make the game uncomfortable, while Portugal will look for cleaner combinations through Fernandes, Vitinha and Bernardo Silva. If the first goal comes early, the match could stretch quickly.
On balance, this feels like a game where Portugal’s possession and attacking depth should eventually wear down the Leopards. But it may not be a stroll. DR Congo’s comeback story gives the fixture a bit of soul, and that usually brings a sharper edge to the betting picture.
