Portugal vs ghana results

Prince Harry's US visa legal battle escalates as scathing statement released © Getty Images Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring for Portugal - Getty Images Portugal 3 Ghana 2 06:40 PM Report Ronaldo takes centre stage © Robert Cianflone/Getty Images Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates with Joao Felix - Robert Cianflone/Getty Images It was always destined to be the day that Cristiano Ronaldo took centre-stage at this World Cup but even football’s ultimate ringmaster could hardly have choreographed a more iconic image. A celebratory ‘Siu’ in front of a beaming pitch-side image of his great rival Lionel Messi after he had just become the first man in history to score at five World Cups. © Provided by The Telegraph Cristiano Ronaldo - MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP via Getty Images Never mind that the rest of the evening contained everything from tears during the national anthem, two bad misses, accusations of a “special gift” for his soft penalty and then seeing his team almost comically throw away a two-goal lead, it was an occasion that will still be remembered for this unique slice of football history. “Cristiano is a phenomenon and a legend – in 50 years’ time we’ll still be talking about him,” said the Portugal manager Fernando Santos. Bruno Fernandes even pointedly urged the media to maintain an intense scrutiny on his team-mate. “I think he likes to work under that criticism so I pray all of you keep doing that because he gets the best of himself when you do that,” he said...

World Cup 2022 - Portugal 3-2 Ghana: Cristiano Ronaldo creates yet another piece of history in five-goal thriller Match report as Cristiano Ronaldo helps Portugal clinch a 3-2 win over Ghana in their World Cup opener; 37-year-old's penalty made him the first man to score in five World Cups; Portugal move top of Group H after Uruguay's goalless draw with South Korea Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score in five World Cups as his penalty helped Portugal secure a 3-2 win over Ghana in a thrilling Group H encounter. Ronaldo, a free agent after leaving Manchester United by mutual consent in the wake of his explosive interview, hit back at his critics with yet another piece of history when he converted the opener from the spot after he was fouled by Mohammed Salisu (65). Ronaldo, who scored his first World Cup goal as a 21-year-old back in 2006, revelled in the spotlight following a tumultuous week and received a standing ovation when he was substituted in the closing stages, but Portugal had to survive a nervy finale after Osman Bukari headed home Ghana's second goal (89). • • • Ghana had a golden opportunity to steal a point in the 10th minute of stoppage time when Inaki Williams caught Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa unawares to steal possession in the box, but the forward lost his footing at the crucial moment, allowing Ronaldo and his team-mates to cling on for victory. Trending • Transfer Centre LIVE! Real Madrid's Bellingham explains his move... • Arsenal's £80m...

Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal took control of the match from the first whistle, and nearly turned their early dominance of possession into a tangible reward — Ronaldo being thwarted by Lawrence Ati-Zigi, before heading wide at the far post a few moments later. The ball was in the Ghana net just past the half-hour mark, via a typically assured Ronaldo finish, but the Portugal captain was adjudged to have fouled Alexander Djiku as he spun on the ball, and the strike was ruled out. Portugal continued to toil into the second half but out of the blue they were handed a golden opportunity when Ronaldo was felled by Mohammed Salisu and stepped up to smash in his 118th international goal from the spot. Ghana responded strongly. Kudus stung the palms of Diogo Costa before getting away down the left and delivering a low cross that deflected off Danilo Pereira and fell perfectly for Andre Ayew to turn the ball in from close range. This time it was Portugal's turn to find an answer, and they duly struck twice in three minutes to win it. Bruno Fernandes was the architect of both, slipping passes through the Ghana backline for assured finishes from first Joao Felix and then Rafael Leao, the latter's first international goal. Ghana did have renewed hope when Osman Bukari headed them back into it in the 89th minute— For Ronaldo, the result means he is off and running in his bid to win one of the few trophies that has eluded him, in what will surely be his last World Cup. It also put a differ...

And the 37-year-old scored the opening goal from the penalty spot, hammering in after being tripped in the box by Ghana's Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu. Captain Ronaldo had a couple of chances early on but a low shot was smothered by Lawrence Ati-Zigi and he also headed wide at the far post. The forward had a goal disallowed for a push on Alexander Djiku while at the other end, Ghana did not have a single shot in the opening period. The Ghanaians improved in the second period, with Mohammed Kudus drilling narrowly wide of the far post and got their reward when Andre Ayew equalised from close range. But Portugal responded with two goals in two minutes to seal the points - Joao Felix converting a delightfully clipped finish and substitute Rafael Leao coolly stroking in just seconds after coming on. Osman Bukari headed in a late consolation for Ghana and there could have been real drama in the ninth minute of stoppage time. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa put the ball on the floor in readiness to kick it upfield, seemingly unaware Inaki Williams was behind him, but after racing to intercept the ball, the Ghana forward slipped at the crucial moment and a scuffed shot was cleared off the line. Victory means Portugal top Group H after Uruguay and South Korea played out a goalless draw earlier on Thursday. • Relive Portugal's victory over Ghana Ronaldo hogs the headlines again The focus before this game was on just one man - Ronaldo. The veteran forward came into the tournament wit...

Follow Portugal face Ghana in the second Group H game of the day. All eyes will be on new free agent Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal today, while Ghana make their return to the World Cup after missing the 2018 edition. Team news Portugal: Costa, Joao Cancelo, Dias, Danilo Pereira, Guerreiro, Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Otavio, Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Joao Felix. Ghana: Ati-Zigi, Seidu, Djiku, Amartey, Salisu, Baba, Kudus, Partey, Abdul Samed, Andre Ayew, Williams. Background reading • • • • (Photo: Getty Images) The 77th minute change of Bukari for Kudus and Jordan for Andrew Ayew lead to a loss of midfield shape and a leader to keep cooler heads. This is Otto Addo's 3rd official (non friendly) game in charge of Ghana, against a Portugal side ranked 9th in the world – the biggest gap between WC opponents at this tournament. It's been humbling. That's Portugal with an xG of 1.14 compared to Ghana's xG of... zero. Not a thriller. Portugal have a number of attacking options to call off the bench. Ghana could substitute their 32-year-old captain Andrew Ayew for Kamaldeen Sulemana and a tweak of shape. But I wouldn't count on it. A lack of Tariq Lamptey from the Black Stars is also curious.