Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opening goal from the penalty spot in Portugal’s 3-2 victory over Ghana on Thursday, becoming the first player to score at five World Cups.
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo led a star-studded lineup against a resolute, five-man Ghanaian defence as Portugal quickly established an advantage over the Black Stars.
The free agent had some early opportunities, but when he took a heavy touch on a quick ball in behind, goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was able to move off his line and block the attempt.
A few moments later, Ronaldo’s characteristic leap to head a cross to the far post wide also failed to break the score.
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A little too quickly for referee Ismail Elfath’s taste, the 37-year-old pushed off Alexander Djiku on minute 31, and the whistle blew before he fired a shot into the far corner. It may have been a mild foul, but not enough for the VAR to step in.
Ghana did not launch a significant attack until two corners in the 37th minute. They had just 30% of the possession and no shots at the interval.
After the half, Portugal made little progress as their opponents in Group H finally mounted a goal threat, led by the outstanding Mohammed Kudus.
After 65 minutes, though, Ronaldo stepped in to prevent Mohammed Salisu from getting a toe to the ball, winning what would be considered a harsh penalty, and then stepping up to convert it himself.
As a result, he became the first player to score in five World Cups. Throughout his incredible career that spanned several generations, he also holds the records for the oldest and youngest Portuguese players to score at a World Cup.
After Andre Ayew’s equaliser briefly threatened to ruin Ronaldo’s celebration, Joao Felix and emerging sensation Rafael Leao ensured the victory.
Osman Bukari scored for Ghana in the dying seconds, but the tournament’s lowest-ranked team was unable to pull off an upset and finished last in the group.
After being fouled by Mohammed Salisu and accepting the penalty, Ronaldo surpasses Pele, the Germans Uwe Seeler and Miroslav Klose, who all scored in four World Cups.
After criticising the team and manager Erik ten Hag in a TV interview, Manchester United announced this week that Ronaldo will be leaving with immediate effect. However, Ronaldo has shown no signs of stress throughout his whole stay at Old Trafford.
