Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo shrugged off his bitter break up with Manchester United to say yet one more file as he turned the primary participant to attain in 5 World Cups with a penalty to assist steer his facet to a nervy 3-2 win over Ghana on Thursday.
Ronaldo, a free agent after his second stint at Outdated Trafford ended abruptly on Tuesday, thumped dwelling a dubiously-awarded penalty within the sixty fifth minute after a coming along with Mohammed Salisu. Ghana did nothing within the first half aside from defend deeply however gave their noisy financial institution of followers within the Stadium 974 one thing to cheer when Andre Ayew equalised within the 73rd minute.
Joao Felix restored Portugal’s lead 5 minutes later, nonetheless, and Bruno Fernandes then confirmed his class with a jinking run earlier than sliding a move to Rafael Leao to depart Ghana surprised.
Osman Bukari’s 89th-minute headed reply arrange an anxious ending for Portugal however they survived 9 minutes of stoppage time to win their opening sport of a World Cup for the primary time of their final 4 appearances.
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Now that’s the way it’s accomplished!
Osman Bukari pulled out his personal ‘SIU!’
7/10 for effort, 6/10 for execution and a 3/10 for timing given Ghana had been nonetheless behind when he did it.
Nonetheless, at all times enjoyable to see gamers try to match Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration in entrance of him!
Ghana vow to bounce again
They face South Korea subsequent up, on Monday afternoon. Defeat in that one will ship the Black Stars dwelling.
Yet another sport to come back!
The night time’s motion will not be accomplished but…
Brazil tackle Serbia in slightly below an hour’s time for the ultimate assembly of the primary matchday at this World Cup.
How Ghana virtually nicked it
A slip on the worst time for Inaki Williams.
A profitable begin for Portugal
Simply.
FULL TIME! Portugal 3-2 Ghana
Absolutely the match of the match up to now…
And it might have been 3-3! Williams slipped as he poached the ball off Costa proper on the dying. Wow.
90+10 minutes: Rahman’s cross from deep is nicely held by Costa.
Then the goalkeeper virtually drops the ball with Williams behind him! Someway Portugal escape a large scramble!
90+9 minutes: Bukari tries to catch Costa out with a speculative effort that flashed over the bar. A little bit of a nervy second for Portugal.
Not lengthy left now… however we’re in Ronaldo barking orders from the dugout territory!
How a lot added-on time will we get in added-on time?