Mueez Ajao
– Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score at five Fifa World Cups as Portugal began their campaign with a thrilling victory over Ghana.
– Ronaldo was playing for the first time since his controversial television interview last week and his subsequent release by Manchester United following the comments.
– And the 37-year-old scored the opening goal from the penalty spot, hammering in after being tripped in the box by Ghana’s Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu.
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– Captain Ronaldo had a couple of chances early on but a low shot was smothered by Lawrence Ati-Zigi and he also headed wide at the far post.
– The forward had a goal disallowed for a push on Alexander Djiku while at the other end, Ghana did not have a single shot in the opening period.
– The Africans improved in the second period as Mohammed Kudus drilled narrowly wide of the far post and got their reward when Andre Ayew equalised from close range.
– But Portugal responded with two goals in two minutes to seal the points – Joao Felix converting a delightfully clipped finish and substitute Rafael Leao coolly stroking in just seconds after coming on.
– Osman Bukhari headed in a late consolation for Ghana and there could have been real drama in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
– Goalkeeper Diogo Costa put the ball down, seemingly unaware Inaki Williams was behind him, but after racing to intercept the ball, the Ghana forward slipped at the crucial moment and a scuffed shot was cleared off the line.
– Victory means Portugal top Group H after Uruguay and South Korea played out a goalless draw earlier on Thursday.
📈 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 📈 𝗩𝗜𝗕𝗘𝗦 📈
Nada como entrar a vencer no #FIFAWorldCup! 💪 #VesteABandeira #WearTheFlag pic.twitter.com/RCh7WnY66a
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) November 24, 2022
🇵🇹 Portugal picks up three points against Ghana after a hectic second half@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 24, 2022
