DemocracyGuyana.com https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Our Tenders Austria Survive Jordan Scare to Mark World Cup Return with Hard-Fought 3-1 Victory National Cultural Centre set for major restoration as design phase advances Leadership training strengthens capacity within the tourism sector Works intensify at South Dakota Circuit ahead of Guyana Grand Prix Guyana strengthens offshore oil spill response capacity President Ali outlines plans for 50-acre Enmore industrial hub to create jobs, empower small businesses Guyana hosting Caribbean maritime conference Homepage President Ali outlines major reforms to secure sugar industry’s future Every generation stands on sacrifices made before it – President Ali Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign began with disappointment as they were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo at NRG Stadium in Houston on June 17. Joao Neves gave the favourites an early lead, but Yoane Wissa’s dramatic stoppage-time header earned the Congolese their first-ever World Cup point and goal. The result stunned many who expected a comfortable Portugal win in Group K of the expanded 48-team tournament. Joao Neves gives Portugal a quick start Portugal started brightly under coach Roberto Martinez. In the 6th minute, Pedro Neto whipped in a cross from the left flank. Midfielder Joao Neves timed his run perfectly and glanced a header past DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi to open the scoring. Portugal’s Joao Neves celebrates scoring their first goal Zoom In Icon View full Image Portugal’s Joao Neves celebrates scoring their first goal (REUTERS) The early goal settled Portugal, who dominated possession and territory in the opening half. Cristiano Ronaldo started as captain but saw limited service in dangerous areas. DR Congo, appearing in their first World Cup since 1974, stayed compact and waited for their moments. The match also carried emotional weight. Portugal players wore black armbands in tribute to the late Diogo Jota, and Neves pointed to the sky after scoring. Also Read | Why did Portugal players wear wristbands in FIFA WC 2026 match vs DR Congo Yoane Wissa makes history for DR Congo Just before half-time, in the fifth minute of added time, DR Congo won a corner on the right. Arthur Masuaku delivered the ball, and striker Yoane Wissa rose highest to power a header into the top corner past Diogo Costa. The 45+5’ strike sparked wild celebrations among the DR Congo players and bench. It marked the country’s first-ever goal in a FIFA World Cup and gave them a famous equaliser at the break. Wissa’s moment will be remembered as one of the standout stories of the tournament’s opening days. More Stories ICAI CA Final Result 2026 LIVE: When and how to check scorecard, rank at caresults.icai.org | Mint US-Iran peace deal: Trump signs MoU at Versailles, confirms White House; Pakistan says agreement takes effect | Today News FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi breaks six records during Argentina vs Algeria match; check full list here | Mint US-Iran peace deal: Read full text of ‘leaked’ 14-point draft agreement | Today News After historic White House fight night, UFC boss Dana White says: ‘It will never happen again’ | Today News US-Iran peace deal: Is Switzerland meeting between both nations confirmed as Trump signs agreement? What we know | Today News Video: Indian tourist succumbs to injuries after being thrown from horse-drawn carriage in NYC’s Central Park | Today News Son of France’s former world champion, why Luca Zidane opt to represent Algeria at FIFA World Cup 2026 | Mint Also Read | Who is Yoane Wissa? 29-year-old scores DR Congo’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal Portugal push but cannot find a winner The second half belonged to Portugal on the ball, yet DR Congo defended with discipline and organisation. Martinez introduced fresh legs including Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceicao, but clear-cut chances remained rare. Ronaldo had a couple of opportunities inside the box but could not convert. DR Congo grew in confidence and even looked dangerous on the counter. Late bookings and some heated moments showed the growing frustration on the Portugal side. DR Congo held firm until the final whistle. What the draw means for both teams The result leaves both Portugal and DR Congo on one point in Group K after their opening matches. Portugal face Uzbekistan next in Houston, while DR Congo take on Colombia in Guadalajara. Related Stories Thierry Henry comes hard at Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal’s draw against Congo; ‘the team needs to score. Not you’ 3 min read 04:44 AM IST The Iran deal leaves more questions than answers. Why oil prices are falling anyway. 3 min read 04:05 AM IST Cristiano Ronaldo respectful towards DR Congo despite ‘Messi’ chants after Portugal’s frustrating draw, video goes viral 3 min read 05:48 AM IST For Portugal, the performance raised questions about creativity and cutting-edge despite their star quality. For DR Congo, it was a historic night that proved the expanded World Cup format can produce memorable upsets and give emerging nations their moment on the global stage. Mbappé Breaks French Record as France Defeat Senegal 3-1 in World Cup Opener Messi Turns Back Time as Argentina Make World Cup Statement with Dominant Victory Over Algeria Press Release: GPL to increase generation capacity in Bartica, Region Seven Press Release: St. George’s is first public school to take CXC’s CCSLC exams Press Release: Guyana to host Caribbean Port State Control Conference and regional meeting of Directors and Heads of Maritime Administrations meetings Tiger Bay shade house project expansion awaits land – Min Mustapha First concrete poured for $4.5B Parika Port facility NGSA results to be released July 10 GFS welcomes 107 new firefighters From Sky to Village: Drones bring medicines to Moraikobai All 16 pump stations around Georgetown activated Press Release: Min Mustapha meets British High Commissioner Government serious about protecting senior citizens – Min Persaud ‘These committees have proven their indispensable value’ – Finance Minister Press Release: Over 420,000 cash grants processed to date – Finance Minister Pres Ali’s Global Biodiversity Alliance membership surges to 125 “This is how you’re supposed to do it” – Region Five residents Development bank can spur growth across entire business sector – GCCI President Trump Announces Breakthrough Peace Agreement with Iran, Raising Hopes for Stability in Global Energy Markets UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer Unveils Sweeping Social Media Ban for Under-16s in Landmark Child Safety Reform Communication professionals weigh in on child protection, access to information Press Release: PM Phillips lauds Caribbean excellence at Anthony N. Sabga Awards Ceremony Guyana advances digital transformation with launch of online passport application system Guyana earned US$353M from carbon credit sales since 2022 Malali residents to benefit from improved access to potable water Guyana advances plans for HIVISION 2031 to end AIDS as a public health threat Nearly 3,000 Indigenous community projects funded through LCDS revenues Residents welcome progress on US$192M East Coast Road expansion project The current administrative format will not help the deadly traffic culture Residents welcome progress on US$192M East Coast Road expansion project Press Release: PM Phillips lauds Caribbean excellence at Anthony N. Sabga Awards Ceremony The Government of Guyana Must Confront the Growing Influence of Social Media Manipulation and Protect Its Children from Social Media Influencers who are poisoning the minds of children aged 12 to 14. 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