• Cristiano Ronaldo shrugged off his bitter split with Manchester United to claim yet another record as he became the first player to score in five World Cups with a penalty to help steer his side to victory over Ghana on Thursday.
Ghana suffered a 3-2 defeat in their group opener against Portugal at the Stadium 974 in the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
Despite Ghana failing to have a single attempt on goal in the first half, the Black Stars fans at the stadium were confident their side could find a way to win the game but clubless Ronaldo’s penalty made the difference in the 65th minute with a soft penalty awarded by the Moroccan-born American referee before Andre Ayew’s equalizer in during the 73rd minute.
Rafael Leao and Joao Felix later scored in quick succession to put Portigal 3-1 ahead against Ghana.
However, Ghana pulled one back again to reduce the deficit courtesy of Osman Bukari.
Ronaldo had two early openings but couldn’t find the back of the net. He had the ball in the back of the net but the goal was ruled out due to a foul on a Ghanain defender. It was announced late on Tuesday that the 37-year-old would leave United with “immediate effect” in the wake of an outspoken interview with a British broadcaster in which he said he felt “betrayed” by the club and had no respect for manager Erik ten Hag. His club form this season has been poor but he is still hoping for a final shot at World Cup glory and Portugal will be expected to start with a victory at Stadium 974 by Doha’s waterfront against a Ghana side who sit 61st in the FIFA rankings. Portugal coach Fernando Santos claimed that Ronaldo’s split from United had not been discussed by the players.
The win leaves Portugal on top of the table in Group H with Ghana sitting last behind South Korea and Uruguay who played out a goalless draw in earlier today.
Ghana will try to redeem themselves on Monday against South Korea while Portugal face Uruguay.
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