Portugal coach Martinez unruffled by DR Congo draw

HOUSTON, June 17 : Portugal coach Roberto Martinez was unfazed on Wednesday by his side's unexpected 1-1 World Cup draw with unheralded Democratic Republic of Congo and said his side showed "extraordinary" attitude but still had work to do. 

Teams like Spain and Argentina had endured rocky opening World Cup matches before going on to win football's showpiece tournament, he said, and it was important his players reflected on the game, learned lessons and moved on.

"We do have to improve. We have to be very self-critical," Martinez said. "Our responsibility here, I think is to assess this match, be self-critical and that's the bottom line ... the World Cup is like that. We continue our work.

"I noticed that the attitude of the players was extraordinary first and foremost, and I do believe in what we can do."

Among the pre-tournament favourites, Portugal made headway inside six minutes through a Joao Neves header but never found their rhythm, despite nearly 70 per cent possession and a team of big-names that looked out of sorts, including Cristiano Ronaldo. 

It was DR Congo who shone in their first World Cup since 1974, soaking up the pressure and levelling in first-half stoppage time when the unmarked Yoane Wissa headed home a cross, sparking wild scenes at the Houston Stadium. 

NO PLACE FOR EMOTION

Martinez said his team started well but the early lead turned out to be counter-productive, with his side playing possession football fruitlessly and showing fear of losing the game instead of trying to win it.  

"We scored in a moment where usually the emotions really help out to continue with that momentum and try to score that second goal but it was actually the opposite effect for us," he said. 

"We tried to stick to the ball