FIFA 2022: Portugal defeats Ghana 3-2 as Ronaldo makes World Cup history
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Doha: Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo created World Cup history in the Thursday match against Ghana leading a 3-2 victory, becoming the first male player to score at five World Cups with his 65th-minute penalty.
Eight minutes later, Andre Ayew of Ghana tied the score, but Joao Felix of Portugal retook the lead in the 78th minute, and Rafael Leao added a third. In the 89th minute, Osman Bukari cut Ghana's deficit.
After having his contract with Manchester United terminated this week, the 37-year-old Ronaldo was seeking to demonstrate his skills to possible new clubs. He missed two excellent opportunities in the first half before falling victim to a challenge from Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu, earning a penalty, AP reported.
The fans cheered "SI-UUU" in unison as Ronaldo took his customary leap and swivel in the air as he sped away after the ball found the back of the net before being surrounded by teammates.
Since his first World Cup in 2006, he has now scored in all of them, amassing a record 118 goals for his country.
In the ninth minute of stoppage time, Portugal defender Danilo cleared the ball away from close to the line to cap a chaotic conclusion to a slow-burning World Cup game. After being replaced, Ronaldo, who was seated in the dugout, put his palm on his head in relief.
At the beginning of his fifth and presumably final World Cup, Ronaldo inevitably took the centre, especially after a tumultuous run-up to the event in which he gave an unofficial, tell-all interview condemning Manchester United's manager, owners, and teammates. He parted ways with the English team on Tuesday, therefore he is now displayed in Qatar's storefront.
His resume shines even more now that he has another scoring record. His World Cup goal total, which is currently eight in 18 games, began with a penalty against Iran in 2006, and after a lengthy, theatrical buildup to the penalty, he lifted the ball past Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati.
Bruno Fernandes, who provided the team's second and third goals with precisely weighted through-balls, may have contributed more to Portugal's victory.
Nevertheless, Portugal's players came dangerously close to losing it in the final few wild minutes, which included the amusing scene of Bukari imitating Ronaldo's "SI-UUU" goal celebration.
