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Portugal won the 2022 World Cup 3-2. Ghana: In a five-goal blockbuster, Cristiano Ronaldo writes another chapter of history.
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As Portugal defeat Ghana in a five-goal thriller, Cristiano Ronaldo set World Cup history.
Portuguese opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-2 victory over Ghana at Stadium 974 thanks to two quick goals from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao.
Cristiano Ronaldo gave his team the lead in the 65th minute with a penalty kick, becoming the first male player to score at five World Cups after leaving Manchester United earlier in the week by “mutual agreement.”
Andre Ayew of Ghana scored an equalizer in the 73rd minute, but Portugal answered with goals from Felix and Leao in the 78th and 80th minutes. Osman Bukari’s last-minute effort made things tricky, but Fernando Santos’ team was able to weather the storm.
Bruno Fernandes’ pass put Ronaldo through on goal for Portugal in the 10th minute, but Ghanaian goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was able to stop him due to his shaky first touch. Three minutes later, the captain of Portugal was denied once more as he rose highest for a header that he skied wide.
In the 31st minute, Ronaldo had the ball in the net after dodging Alexander Djiku’s challenge and putting the ball past Ati-Zigi, but the whistle had already blown for a foul on the Ghanaian defender.
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As Ghana looked to spring a surprise, Mohammed Kudus dragged a shot wide of Diogo Costa’s left-hand post in the 55th minute. Ghana displayed more attacking vigour at the start of the second half.
After being fouled by Mohamed Salisu in the 65th minute, Ronaldo finally gave his team the lead with a calm effort from the penalty spot, making World Cup history in the process.
Ayew scored from close range after Kudus‘ low cross was diverted into his path to give Ghana the lead again in the 73rd minute, throwing the raucous Ghanaian crowd into a frenzy.
However, their happiness was short-lived as Felix calmly put Portugal back in front five minutes later after Fernandes‘ pass split Ghana’s defence.
Moments later, Leao, an AC Milan winger who scored his first goal for Portugal, sidefooted in another Fernandes ball to increase his team’s lead.
Although it appeared like Portugal would win easily, Bukari’s header in the 89th minute caused tension for both teams.
In stoppage time, Costa nearly fumbled his lines after passing the ball to the waiting Inaki Williams. However, Portugal prevailed