Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score at five FIFA World Cups, as Portugal defeated Ghana 3-2 in their Group H on Thursday night.
2022 FIFA World Cup
Result: Portugal 3-2 Ghana
Date: 24 November 2022
Venue: Stadium 974
The Selecao were led from the front by captain Ronaldo, alongside Joao Felix, with Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva in support. Spanish-born striker Inaki Williams made his competitive debut for the Black Stars after he switched his allegiance in July this year, having represented La Roja at youth level.
The Selecao were a threat on counter-attacks in the opening exchanges as Silva released Ronaldo through on goal but the former Manchester United forward was thwarted by goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
Fernando Santos' charges were lively going forward but had to wait until shortly before the half-hour mark to threaten Ati-Zigi, as Felix dragged a shot just wide after he received an off load from Silva.
However, Ghana had a strong resistance as the first stanza wore on and fancied their own chances but they could not carve out openings, as they were unable to locate strike partners Williams and Andre Ayew with crosses in the box.
The game had fireworks in the second stanza as the sides threw caution to the wind, with Mohammed Kudus going close to breaking the deadlock for the Black Stars ten minutes in with a cracking shot from range that missed the upright by a whisker.
As the intensity of the match picked up, Portugal were awarded a penalty just after the half-hour after Ronaldo went down in the box from a challenge by Mohammed Salisu. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner dispatched the penalty and became the first player to score at five different World Cups.
However, Otto Addo's men rallied back as Andre Ayew levelled matters on 73 minutes with a close-range finish after a cut-back by Kudus.
Ghana were punished for playing a high line moments later as Felix restored the lead for the Selecao with a low strike away from Ati-Zigi after a defence-splitting pass by Fernandes.
The Black Stars were caught high again from a similar move immediately thereafter, as Rafael Leao latched onto another splitting pass by Fernandes before side-footing his shot into the bottom corner to give Portugal a two-goal cushion.
With Ronaldo and Silva withdrawn, Portugal had a scare as Osman Bukari pulled a goal back for the Black Stars in the last minute with a free header in the box and setup a tense finish.
Portugal shot-stopper Diogo Costa almost gave the equaliser away after he dilly-dallied on the ball, unaware of Bukari in the box but one of the defenders rescued him as the Selecao held on start off Group F on a winning note.
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