Portugal vs Ghana

Portugal vs Ghana: 3-2

Portugal acquired their World Cup marketing campaign up and operating with a 3-2 win in opposition to Ghana as quick-fire targets 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 settlement” earlier in the week — with a penalty that made him the primary male participant to attain at 5 World Cups.

Ghana’s Andre Ayew equalized 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 attention-grabbing however Fernando Santos’ aspect has been in a position to experience out the storm.

Portugal had an early likelihood within the tenth minute when Ronaldo was despatched by way 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 broad.

Ronaldo had the ball within the web within the thirty-first minute after shrugging off the problem of Alexander Djiku and slotting the 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 broad of Diogo Costa’s left-hand publish within the fifty-fifth minute as his aspect regarded 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 Mohamed Salisu — making World Cup historical past within the course.

However, Ghana struck again within the 73rd minute, as Ayew turned house 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 long, nevertheless, as Felix calmly completed the previous Ati-Zigi 5 minutes later to place Portugal again in entrance after Fernandes’ go break up Ghana’s defense.

Leao prolonged his aspect’s lead moments later after side-footing house one other Fernandes go — the AC Milan winger’s first aim for Portugal.

Portugal strolled to victory, however Bukari’s 89th-minute header meant there have been late nerves for either side.

Costa virtually fluffed his traces after rolling the ball out to the lurking Inaki Williams in stoppage time, however, the striker slipped on the essential second and Portugal survived.