HOUSTON – A boy, no older than 10, had “CR7” shaved on the side of his head. Another wore the Portugal legend’s famous initials painted proudly across his face.

A handwritten sign declared, “CR7 = G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time)”.

Another carried a simpler, more heartfelt message: “Gracias Ronaldo.”

In a city known for flights into space, children and adults alike came ready to worship the astronomical feats of one of their own – Cristiano Ronaldo.

Record holder extraordinaire for most international appearances (229), international goals (143), all-time scorer in the Champions League (140), the 41-year-old superstar arrived in Houston to the cheers and chants from the red cavalry of Portuguese fans among the 68,777-strong crowd in the NRG stadium.

Already a day before the gauntlet had been laid down by his football nemesis Lionel Messi, who struck the first salvo in Kansas City. A maiden World Cup hat-trick, no less.

The question on everyone’s minds was: What would Ronaldo do?

On June 17, the Portuguese rocket was set for launch, but there would be no blast off. At the final whistle, it was the Democratic Republic of Congo who stole the show, as the African underdogs – in their return to the World Cup stage after 52 years – frustrated world No. 7 Portugal and their talisman with a 1-1 draw.

For most of the match, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remained a peripheral figure, struggling to impose himself on proceedings.

Fans who came to witness the trademark “siuuu” goal celebration from their football hero had little to cheer for. Instead, it was the boisterous Congolese who mocked Ronaldo as they danced their way out of the stadium in delight.