Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in five World Cups as Portugal defeated Ghana in a five-goal thriller to win Group H.Portugal dominated control of the game from the start, and nearly turned their early possession dominance into a tangible reward, with Ronaldo being denied by Lawrence Ati-Zigi before hitting wide at the far post moments later.
Ronaldo creates more history as Portugal wins their first World Cup match.
The ball was in the net for Ghana just past the half-hour mark, thanks to a typically assured Ronaldo finish, but the Portugal captain was assessed to have fouled Alexander Djiku as he twisted on the ball, and the goal was called out.
Portugal toiled on into the second half, but they were presented with a wonderful opportunity when Ronaldo was felled by Mohammed Salisu and stepped up to score his 118th international goal from the penalty spot.
Ronaldo creates more history as Portugal wins their first World Cup match.
Ghana reacted forcefully. Kudus pricked Diogo Costa’s hands before breaking down the left and hitting a low cross that bounced off Danilo Pereira and fell nicely for Andre Ayew to turn in from close range.
It was now Portugal’s opportunity to respond, and they did so by scoring twice in three minutes to win the game. Bruno Fernandes set up both goals, sneaking passes through the Ghana defence for comfortable finishes from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao, the latter’s first international goal.