Portugal obtained their World Cup marketing campaign up and operating with a 3-2 win in opposition to Ghana as quick-fire objectives from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao helped them to victory at Stadium 974.
Cristiano Ronaldo put his aspect forward within the sixty fifth minute — after leaving Manchester United by “mutual agreement” earlier within the week — with a penalty which made him the first male participant to attain at 5 World Cups.
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Ghana’s Andre Ayew equalised within the 73rd minute, however Portugal responded with 78th-minute and Eightieth-minute efforts from Felix and Leao. A late effort from Osman Bukari made issues fascinating however Fernando Santos’ aspect have been in a position to trip out the storm.
Portugal had an early likelihood within the tenth minute when Ronaldo was despatched by means of on aim by Bruno Fernandes, however Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was in a position to smother the ahead’s poor first contact. The Portugal captain was denied once more three minutes later as he rose highest for a header which he skewed extensive.
Ronaldo had the ball within the internet within the thirty first minute after shrugging off the problem of Alexander Djiku and slotting previous Ati-Zigi, however the whistle had already been blown for a foul on the Ghana defender.
Ghana confirmed extra attacking enterprise at the beginning of the second half, with Mohammed Kudus dragging a shot extensive of Diogo Costa‘s left-hand publish within the fifty fifth minute as his aspect appeared to spring a shock.
Ronaldo lastly put his aspect forward within the sixty fifth minute with a cool effort from the penalty spot after being felled by Mohammed Salisu — making World Cup historical past within the course of.
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However Ghana struck again within the 73rd minute, as Ayew turned residence from shut vary after Kudus’ low cross was deflected into his path — sending the vocal Ghanaian help into delirium.
Their pleasure didn’t final for lengthy, nevertheless, as Felix calmly completed previous Ati-Zigi 5 minutes later to place Portugal again in entrance after Fernandes’ cross cut up Ghana’s defence.
Leao prolonged his aspect’s lead moments later after side-footing residence one other Fernandes cross — the AC Milan winger’s first aim for Portugal.
Portugal appeared to be strolling to victory, however Bukari’s 89th-minute header meant there have been late nerves for either side.
Costa virtually fluffed his strains after rolling the ball out to the lurking Inaki Williams in stoppage time, however the striker slipped on the essential second and Portugal survived.