Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group H football match between Portugal and Ghana at Stadium 974 in Doha on November 24, 2022. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP)
Cristiano Ronaldo closed his eyes as he prepared to unleash a shot from the spot, before his fantastic finish created history as the Portuguese star became the first man to score in five World Cup editions.
That 65th minute goal came as a result in what was arguably a soft penalty decision by the referee following a challenge by Ghana’s Mohammed Salisu against Ronaldo, who was playing for the first time since his acrimonious exit from Manchester United after a controversial television interview.
As Ronaldo scored, all Portugal players piled on top of him as he surpassed greats Pele, Uwe Seeler and Miroslav Klose, who scored in four World Cups.
The goal also set the stage for an exciting action in the second half with Ghana – the lowest-ranked side (61) in this World Cup – giving Fernando Santos’ men a good run for money after a dull show in the first half at the Stadium 974.
Captain Andre Ayew – the Al Sadd striker – led Ghana’s fightback tapping in the equaliser eight minutes after Ronaldo fired the ball past keeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
Joao Felix after receiving a brilliant pass from Bruno Fernandes regained lead for Portugal in the 78th minute before substitute Rafael Leao struck two minutes later to stretch their lead.
Substitute Osman Bukari pulled one back for Ghana a minute before time with eight minutes of injury time witnessing some dangerous attempts from Otto Addo’s side.
Portugal held their lead to go top of Group H with a 3-2 win after Uruguay and Korea Republic played out a goalless draw at the Education Stadium, earlier yesterday.
“It was a beautiful moment, my fifth World Cup, we won, and we started with our good foot. It’s a very important win, we know the first match is crucial, but the world record is also something that makes me very proud,” said Ronaldo.
Santos hailed Ronaldo as a legend of the game. “I believe people will continue to speak about his achievements, he is a phenomenon, a legend like others in football,” said Santos. “In 50 years time we will continue to talk about him.”
While the second half produced pulsating action, the first half was a dull affair with most of Ghana’s players staying in their half.
They did well though in defence not giving many opportunities to Portugal as a couple of Ronaldo’s tries were their best chances to score in the first half.
Goalkeeper Ati-Zigi was able to clear Ronaldo’s attempt who received a fine ball in the 10th minute.
What could have been a spectacular goal, Ronaldo headed the ball wide after leaping higher than any defender to connect a cross.
The former Manchester United forward had hit the target soon after the half-hour mark but referee immediately ruled out for a foul against him for putting down a defender.
Ghana, who were hardly producing a threat to Portugal, won back-to-back corners – the second one being cleared by Ronaldo – but they were yet to attempt to score in the first session.
But that wasn’t the case after the break as Muhammed Kudus attempted to score from a distance but his low hit was off target soon after Ronaldo’s attempt was blocked by the keeper.
Referee pointed to the spot immediately after Ronaldo went down following shoulder-to-shoulder contact with Salisu, a decision followed by protest from Ghana players.
"I think it was a really wrong decision, we were playing the ball … I don’t know why VAR did not come up, there was no explanation for it,” said Addo.
With his goal, Ronaldo also became the second oldest player to score in FIFA World Cup history at the age of 37 years and 292 days. Cameroon’s Roger Milla remains the oldest at 42 years and 39 days.
The Africans came back into the match when Ayew tapped home Kudus’ cross to become the oldest goal scorer for Ghana in World Cup history at the age of 32 years and 342 days.
Quick goals from Felix and Leao set up a win for Portugal despite Bukari’s goal, who headed the ball in after being left unmarked.
Portugal will next meet Uruguay on Monday while Ghana and South Korea will square off the same day.
