World Cup 2022: Portugal defeats Ghana – record for Cristiano Ronaldo

Almost lapse by goalkeeper Costa

Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo made history with Portugal in the hunt for their last major title and celebrated a lucky opening World Cup success. Two days after the separation from his previous club Manchester United, Portugal won 3-2 (0-0) against Ghana in Doha on Thursday. The captain gave his team the lead with a penalty kick (65th minute). Captain André Ayew’s (73′) equalizer was countered by João Félix (78′) and Rafael Leão (80′) with goals before Osman Bukari (89′) scored again for Ghana shortly before the end.

Ronaldo is the first player to score in five World Cups. He also scored the 50th World Cup goal in Portugal’s history. The Ghanaians, coached by former Bundesliga player Otto Addo, need to improve in Group H with Uruguay and South Korea to reach the knockout rounds. However, they scored the first goals of an African team in this tournament. Portugal, on the other hand, go into the next duel with Uruguay on Monday as group leaders and with the best prospects of reaching the round of 16.

The origin of the opening goal was controversial: after a light touch in the penalty area on the oncoming Ronaldo, referee Ismail Elfath from the USA awarded a penalty. The video assistant did not intervene, Ronaldo converted safely and was celebrated. In his fifth World Cup participation and his tenth major tournament in a row, Ronaldo wants to conquer the last international title that is still missing. With Portugal, the multiple Champions League winners became European champions in 2016, and fourth place in Germany in 2006 was the best result in his four World Cup tournaments to date. Eusébio’s Portugal World Cup goal record (nine goals) is also within Ronaldo’s reach with eight goals.

The captain led Portugal’s side with a determined expression already in the warm-up. During the national anthem, the 37-year-old got emotional at what was probably his last World Cup tournament and fought back tears. The Portuguese fans among the 42,662 spectators in the 974 stadium in Doha initially cheered each ball touch of the 37-year-old individually. And indeed it was Ronaldo who could have given his team the lead in the first half. But the Portuguese record goalscorer initially showed unusual weaknesses in the end. After ten minutes he missed a ball when receiving it, three minutes later he failed to hit a free header in front of the goal.

An alleged goal by Ronaldo after half an hour was called back before the end because of a foul play (31st). Ronaldo, who has been without a club since Tuesday, was initially unable to advertise on his own behalf. Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United, Chelsea FC or clubs in the USA and Saudi Arabia are considered possible prospects for Ronaldo.

Ghana had started the first World Cup since 2014 with high hopes under Dortmund talent coach Addo. After a nervous start against Portugal, the Africans only became a little braver in the second half. However, the interim equalization by Captain Ayew was not enough. In the first half, Ghana didn’t even come into contact with the ball in the opponent’s penalty area.

The highlights then came concentrated in the final phase. After Ronaldo’s penalty, Ghana’s equalizer initially caused a storm of jubilation from the numerous and vociferous African fans. But Portugal didn’t let up. Bruno Fernandes, who had been inconspicuous for a long time, served twice perfectly, while Félix and Leão, who had just come on as a substitute, quickly made it 2-1 and 3-1. That actually decided the game, Bukari’s goal, including a copy of the typical Ronaldo celebration, seemed to come too late. Shortly before the end, however, Ronaldo grabbed his head again in horror. Portugal keeper Diogo Costa rolled the ball in the ninth minute of added time, missing striker Iñaki Williams starting behind him. However, the Ghanaian couldn’t control the ball and missed the huge chance to make it 3:3.

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