World Cup LIVE: ‘Raging’ Cristiano Ronaldo red-faced as BBC break golden rule

Jeremy Cross in Houston

This is DR Congo’s first appearance at a World Cup since 1974.

But it hasn’t taken them long to realise nothing – or no-one – can steal the limelight from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Well, apart from Lionel Messi that is.

Ronaldo is making a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance.

Portugal team-mate Bruno Fernandes has revealed Ronaldo had been “anxious” in the build up to his team’s opening Group K game in Houston.

But if this were true, it didn’t feel like it when Ronaldo led his team out into the Houston Stadium to warm up.

With his chest stuck out like a peacock. Ronaldo couldn’t resist a quick glance up to the big screen behind the goal to see his face beaming back at him.

Just how he likes it.

Thousands of Portuguese supporters let out huge cheers to greet their evergreen icon.

Ronaldo remains the talisman of this team, despite him now being 41 and well past the peak of his powers.

Ronaldo’s welcome might have been predictable.

But what few Portuguese fans had not expected, was to have found themselves queuing up to purchase ponchos outside the stadium.

Tropical rain greeted all those heading to the match.

And the only person who seemed happy about this was the bloke flogging said ponchos.