Quick goals from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao helped Portugal defeat Ghana 3-2 at Stadium 974 to begin their World Cup campaign. Cristiano Ronaldo became the only male player to score at five World Cups by giving his squad the lead with a penalty kick in the 65th minute.
A historic moment for a legendary player 👏#FIFAWorldCup | @Cristiano pic.twitter.com/YbpOoQHgPP
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 24, 2022
Andre Ayew of Ghana scored an equaliser 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.
🇬🇭 André Ayew comes up big for the @GhanaBlackstars #FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/ru1FBvnfsL
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 24, 2022
As Ghana sought to spring a surprise, Mohammed Kudus dragged a shot beyond of Diogo Costa’s left-hand post in the 55th minute. Ghana displayed more attacking energy 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.
Can Ghana find an equalizer?#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/QgGu0wEHzE
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 24, 2022
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 scored his first goal for Portugal by sidefooting in another Fernandes ball to extend his team’s lead.
Portugal unleashed 📈#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/t1s7zMoWb2
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 24, 2022
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 bobbled his lines after transferring the ball to the lurking Inaki Williams, but the striker slipped just in time, saving Portugal.
