World Cup 2022: Ghana lose against Portugal in a five goal thriller as Ronaldo makes World Cup history
The Black Stars of Ghana got their World Cup campaign off to a thrilling start as they lost 3-2 to Portugal in Group H.
The victory means Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first player to score at five Fifa World Cups; 20006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and now 2022.
Portugal got off to a flying start as Ronaldo almost opened the scoring through a low shot but Lawrence Ati-Zigi was up to task as the ball hit his body for a corner.
Portugal held the Black Stars to their own half in the first 20 minutes, playing 77% of the ball while Ghana has only 23% of possession and was awarded a soft penalty that was not checked by the VAR after a least touch from Mohammed Salisu..
Ronaldo who was playing for the first time since his controversial television interview last week and his subsequent release by Manchester United following the comments and the 37-year-old scored the opening goal from the penalty spot.
The forward had a goal disallowed for a push on Alexander Djiku while at the other end, Ghana did not have a single shot in the first half.
The Black Stars improved in the second half as Mohammed Kudus drilled narrowly wide of the far post and got their reward when Andre Ayew equalised from close range after a sweet pass from Kudus to give the Stars a lease of life.
But Portugal responded with two goals in two minutes to seal the points – Joao Felix converting a delightfully clipped finish and substitute Rafael Leao coolly stroking in just seconds after coming on as Ghana’s backline were caught sleeping.
Osman Bukhari headed in a late consolation for Ghana, but victory means Portugal top Group H after Uruguay and South Korea played out a goalless draw earlier on Thursday.
Ghana take on South Korea on Monday in the second group game as Portugal clash with Uruguay.
