Portugal began the start of their World Cup campaign up and up and running with a 3-2 victory against Ghana after quick-fire goals scored by Joao Felix as well as Rafael Leao helped them to victory at Stadium 974.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored to put his team forward in the 65th minuteafter he had left Manchester United by “mutual agreement” earlier during the week by scoring a penalty that made the first player of his gender to score the five World Cups.
Ghana’s Andre Ayew equalised in the 72nd minute, but Portugal was able to respond with 78th minute and 80th-minute goals by Felix as well as Leao. A late goal by Osman Bukari was a bit of a surprise however Fernando Santos’ side were in a position to weather the storm.
Portugal was able to score an early goal within the 10th minute of the match when Ronaldo was pushed through in the goal area through Bruno Fernandes, but Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was able block the forward’s initial move. He was then denied by Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi. Portugal captain failed a second time just three minutes later when the forward climbed to his highest position for an attempt to head the ball, but he missed and smashed into the air.
Ronaldo was the one to put the ball into his net during the last minute , after overcoming the challenge by Alexander Djiku and slotting past Ati-Zigi. However, the whistle was already given for a foul by Ati-Zigi, the Ghana defender.
Ghana displayed more vigor in the beginning of the second half and Mohammed Kudus dragging a shot over Diogo Costa’s right-hand goal in 55 minutes when his team looked set to cause on the world with a shock.
Ronaldo was able to put his team forward in the 65th minute when he scored a an impressive strike from the penalty area after being knocked down in the 65th minute by Mohammed Salisu — making World Cup history in the way.
– – The VAR review the reason why Ronaldo’s penalty didn’t be given a full and thorough review
However, Ghana scored again in the 73rd minute when Ayew made a run for the goal from close range following Kudus his low cross was diverted to his right — sending the Ghanaian supporters to delirium.
The celebrations was short-lived However, Felix confidently pushed over Ati-Zigi just in the tenth minute to place Portugal ahead again following Fernandes’ pass broke Ghana’s defensive.
Leao added to his team’s advantage moments later, after side-footing the ball in from a Fernandes pass his AC Milan winger’s first goal for Portugal.
Portugal seemed to be cruising to victory, however Bukari’s 90th-minute goal meant that there was a tense final period for both teams.
Costa was close to slipping up after he sent the ball over towards the lurking Inaki Williams during stoppage time however, the striker fell in the final moments and Portugal did not fall victim to the snare.
