And after a crazy last 20 minutes of play, the referee finally draws proceedings to a close to end what has undoubtedly been one of the more frenetic matches of the tournament thus far.It looked for a long time that this match was nearing to a goalless draw before a penalty chance burst the game into life.
Out of this world 🇵🇹
🖐 Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first man to score at five FIFA World Cups#FIFAWorldCup | @Cristiano pic.twitter.com/3UKqXLsZWd
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 24, 2022
After Ronaldo became the first male player to score in five different World Cup campaigns, the matchstick was lit, and the fans were treated to an end-to-end humdinger of a finish.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the first player ever to score in FIVE different men's World Cups 🖐️ pic.twitter.com/F5Z9J0Ur4r
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 24, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name into FIFA World Cup history by scoring a penalty but it took late goals from team-mates Joao Felix and Rafael Leao to eventually see off Ghana and ensure Portugal made a winning start to their campaign in Qatar.
Missed the action from a thrilling second half between Portugal and Ghana?
We've got you covered 👇#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 24, 2022
Ronaldo, who had twice come close to scoring in the first half as well as having an effort ruled out for a foul, earned a penalty in the second half and rifled the spot-kick into the top corner of the net to break the deadlock and become the first male player to score in five World Cups.
Ronaldo…. GOLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!#PORGHA | 0-0 | #FIFAWorldCup #VesteABandeira pic.twitter.com/jpOMuJBQf5
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) November 24, 2022
Ghana nearly spoiled the moment by fighting their way back into the game when captain Andre Ayew knocked in a cut-back from Mohammed Kudus, who had come close to opening the scoring himself earlier on after a stunning solo run.
Portugal quickly took control of the game again, however, re-taking the lead when Felix produced an ice-cool finish after being played in by Bruno Fernandes. Barely two minutes later substitute Leao appeared to make sure of the victory by tucking the ball into the far corner after another through ball from Fernandes.
Ghana did not give up though and Osman Bukari scored the fifth goal of the game to ensure a tense finish. Inaki Williams then almost found an equaliser in the 100th minute of the game, slipping and failing to get a shot away after dispossessing Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Ronaldo became the first male player to score at five World Cups, having also netted at the tournament in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018. He has a total of eight goals at the World Cup.
Portugal’s youngest goalscorer at a World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo (21 years, 132 days)
Portugal’s oldest goalscorer at a World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo (37 years, 295 days).
Player of the Match:Cristiano Ronaldo
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