Cristiano Ronaldo scripted World Cup history as Portugal kicked off its Qatar 2022 campaign with a nervy 3-2 win over Ghana in a thrilling Group H match at Stadium 974 on November 24.
Ronaldo was looking to show off his skills to potential new clubs after his contract at Manchester United expired this week. After squandering two good chances in the first half, he was brought down by Ghana defender Mohammed Salisu, earning a penalty.A smiling Ronaldo wheeled away after the ball hit the back of the net, performing his trademark leap and swivel in the air – the crowd roared his trademark “SI-UUUU” as he did the pirouette – before being mobbed by teammates.
With his 65th-minute penalty in Thursday’s 3-2 win over Ghana, Ronaldo became the first male player to score in five World Cups and gave Portugal a 1-0 lead over Ghana. Andre Ayew equalised in the 73rd minute, giving Ghana’s bank of fans at the 974 Stadium something to cheer about. Five minutes later, Joao Felix restored Portugal’s lead, and Ronaldo then showed his class with a jinking run before sliding a pass to Rafael Leao, leaving Ghana stunned.
Osman Bukari pulled another one back for Ghana late on but Portugal survived nine minutes of stoppage time to win their opening game of a World Cup for the first time in their last four appearances, thanks to Osman Bukari’s 89th-minute headed response.
