Portugal vs Ghana: As Portugal ultimately defeated Ghana to win the opening game of Group H in a thrilling 5-goal contest. Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the only player to net in 5 World Cups.
From the minute the game began, Portugal seized command and almost capitalized on their initial territorial advantage when Ronaldo was stopped by Lawrence Ati-Zigi and then missed the furthest wall shortly after.
Just beyond the halfway point, Ronaldo put the ball in the Ghana goal with one of his normally composed finishes. However, the Portuguese skipper was found to have hit Alexander Djiku as he twisted on the ball and the goal was disallowed.
Cristiano was brought down by Mohammed Salisu start of the 2nd half, giving them an unexpected chance to score their 118th international goal during Portugal vs Ghana. Ronaldo went on to the line and converted the penalty.
Portugal vs Ghana: The Black star’s retort
Portugal vs Ghana: Ghana’s response was robust. Before escaping along the left and sending in a tight angle that bounced off Danilo Pereira. And dropped ideally for Andre Ayew to convert the ball in from close proximity. Kudus pricked Diogo Costa’s hands.
It was Portugal’s chance to respond at this moment. And they promptly scored a brace in 3 minutes to secure the victory. Both goals were masterminded by Bruno Fernandes who threaded passes past the Ghana defense for Joao Felix and Rafael Leao. The latter scoring his maiden goal for his country.
Osman Bukari’s goal in the 89th minute gave Ghanaian some new life, and he celebrated by mocking Cristiano Ronaldo. At the very final moment, Inaki Williams skillfully picked out Costa. But he slipped as he attempted to creep in advance of the goalie costing Ghana the chance to steal a point.
Portugal vs Ghana: Cristiano Ronaldo made history through his penalty
Portugal vs Ghana: In what might undoubtedly be his final World Cup. Cristiano is already on the offensive in his quest to capture one of the very few accolades that have escaped him.
2 days following parting relations with Man Utd. Cristiano Ronaldo created World Cup history when Portugal defeated Ghana 3-2 in their opening World Cup match in Qatar.
Ronaldo, a free agent following his contentious split from Manchester. Scored Portugal’s opening goal during Portugal vs Ghana from the penalty mark to become the only player to score in five World Cup championship matches.
Andre Ayew’s equalizer appeared to put an end to Portugal’s celebration for a while. But a swift turn from Joao Felix and replacement Rafael Leao gave them a two-goal lead.
Osman Bukari cut it in half with a header in the eighty-ninth minute. However, the Portuguese side held on for nine minutes of additional time to take the lead in Group H. Where Uruguay and South Korea previously drew 0-0.
Series of comeback for Ghana
Portugal vs Ghana: Just after the ref determined that Ghana’s Saints defensive player Mohammed Salisu had fouled the 37-year-old sensation in the box. Portugal and Cristiano finally scored the goal they both desired in the 65th minute.
As Cristiano grabbed the ball and changed the course of the World Cup, nearly every supporter in the Portuguese side facing the net held their handsets ready. Ati-Zigi made the correct prediction but was unable to approach closer to the ball.
Following a thunderous left-foot effort that pricked Costa in the hands, Kudus then made a break for it on the left flank of the zone. Ayew scored from tight quarters after Danilo Pereira got tangled up while attempting to block his perfect pass.
Fernandes’ excellence took Portugal over the line
Portugal vs Ghana: Eventually, Baba Rahman gave Portugal the opportunity to regain the lead as Felix went on the net and clipped the shot past Ati-Zigi after Bruno Fernandes’ thru ball reached him.
When Fernandes immediately charged ahead from distance. This time finding replacement Leao to his left, who curled an ambitious effort inside, the match seemed to be over. Portugal seems to be confident to compete against Uruguay on 29th November after a remarkable performance.
Cristiano made a breakaway attempt to score his second goal and Portugal’s 4th, but Ati-Zigi stopped him this time.
Bukari’s header made things more difficult in the dying seconds. But Portuguese prevailed amidst a last-second mistake from goalie Costa who nearly lost his team the match when he refused to see Inaki Williams hiding alongside him.
Extra time drama in Ghana and Portugal contest
Portugal vs Ghana: 5 strikes in a spectacular second half. An extra adventurous style really helped Ghana, pressing Kudus deeper, but they were unable to get the equalizer they felt they earned at the very end.
The Portuguese side won the game because of two fantastic goals from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao, although Joao Cancelo produced a terrible defending performance and allowed Ghana to dominate possession with deliveries into the box after outclassed by speed, intelligence, and their own error.
READ MORE: Switzerland vs Cameroon