Cristiano Ronaldo became the first ever player to score in five different FIFA World Cup competitions as Portugal ran out 3-2 winners against Ghana.
The Portugese team led by Fernando Santos ended a run of three opening World Cup matches without a win at Stadium 974 in Doha.
After a goalless first half, the game roared to life in the second half when the five-time Ballon D’or winner stepped up to put Portugal ahead from the spot having been tripped by Mohammed Salisu inside the penalty area.
The goal from Ronaldo was the catalyst that brought the game to life as Ghana’s Andre Ayew equalized for the Black Stars just eight minutes later. The goal made Ghana the first African nation to score a goal at the 2022 World Cup.
Ghana must have been dreaming about a winner but it wasn’t to be as Portugal responded with 78th-minute and 80th-minute efforts from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao. A late effort from Osman Bukari rekindled Ghanian hopes around the world but the Portugese held firm to secure the win.
Portugal had to deal with a late scare when goalkeeper Diogo Costa almost fluffed his lines after rolling the ball out to the lurking Inaki Williams in stoppage time, but the striker slipped at the crucial moment and Portugal survived.
With nine minutes of added time, Ghana tried to level the game but fell short meaning all five African teams at the world cup would go through their first round of games without a win.
