Highlights:
- Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Portugal, became the first player to score in five different World Cups during the game’s last 65 minutes.
- After lengthy objections from the Ghana team, the box was eventually cleared, and Ronaldo lasered the ball past the goalkeeper.
- Ronaldo managed to convert the penalty shot to score a goal for his team.
In their thrilling opening game of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 at Stadium 974, resilient Portugal put up a strong performance against Ghana to win 3-2.
After passing up several excellent opportunities early in the game’s first half, Cristiano Ronaldo finally gave Portugal the lead with a goal from the penalty spot.
Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo scored during the game’s final 65 minutes to become the first player to do so in five different World Cups. After lengthy protests from the Ghana team, the box was eventually cleared, and Ronaldo lasered the ball past the goalkeeper. Ronaldo successfully converted the penalty shot to score a goal for his team.
But Portugal’s happiness was short-lived as Andre Ayew grabbed a goal back for Ghana in the 73rd minute of the game. Portugal then quickly rallied through goals from Joao Felix (78) and substitute Rafael Leao (80).
Ronaldo was removed during Portugal’s triple substitution, which included three other players. Pereira was uncomfortable as Osman Bukari stepped in to strike the goal when the crossing came in from the left.
In the tenth minute of stoppage time, Ghana had a fantastic opportunity to draw the game when Inaki Williams stunned Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa by stealing the ball in the area. But at the crucial moment, the forward lost his balance, allowing Ronaldo and his teammates to cling on for the victory.
Ghana’s defence stopped Portugal’s attack earlier in the first half to prevent a goal from being scored.
Otavio Edmilson da Silva Monteiro of Portugal missed to the left with a right-footed shot from outside the box in the fifth minute from a corner. Ruben Neves’ right-footed attempt from outside the box was blocked in the very next minute.
Otavio benefited Cristiano Ronaldo in the 10th minute when his right-footed drive from the centre of the box was stopped in the centre of the goal.
Three minutes later, Ronaldo’s header from the right side of the six-yard box was helped by Raphael Guerreiro’s cross after a corner, but it missed to the right.
Joao Felix also attempted, but his left-footed attempt from the middle of the box missed the mark. Otavio’s right-footed shot from outside the box was blocked by the Ghanaian squad, saving another opportunity.
Raphael Guerreiro attempted to assist Cristiano Ronaldo from the left side of the box in the 42nd minute, but his attempt was stopped. Despite multiple attempts, Ghana’s defence stayed strong. In comparison to Ghana, which held 30% of the possession, Portugal held 70% of it. Ghana had no shots on goal compared to Portugal’s two.