Portugal began their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign with a tense 3-2 victory against the Black Stars of Ghana at Stadium 974 in Doha on Thursday.
There was little in terms of goalscoring action in the opening period but things lit up when Cristiano Ronaldo was felled in the area by Mohammed Salisu. The 37 year-old dusted himself to convert from twelve yards to open his account in Qatar. Also, the goal ensured he set a new record for being the only player to score in five FIFA World Cups.
Further strikes from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao ensured the three points for Fernando Santos’ side, while Andre Ayew and Bukari both found the net for the Black Stars.
🔴 Live Blog:
FULL-TIME AT STADIUM 974: Portugal 3-2 Ghana
89′ MIN: Osman Bukari leaps to connect with a delightful cross and places his sweet header inside the right post. The goalkeeper had no chance to make a save.
GOOOAAALLL!!! Portugal 3-2 Ghana (O. Bukari)
80′ MIN: Bruno Fernandes produces a sweet pass and picks out Rafael Leao inside the box. He quickly takes a shot which goes into the bottom right corner and leaves the goalkeeper helpless.
GOOOAAALLL!!! Portugal 3-1 Ghana (R. Leao)
78′ MIN: Joao Felix is released by Bruno Fernandes, he surges into the box and smashes a great shot into the top corner after a one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
GOOOAAALLL!!! Portugal 2-1 Ghana (J. Felix)
73′ MIN: Andre Ayew received a delightful pass inside the box before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. What a brilliant finish!
GOOOAAALLL!!! Portugal 1-1 Ghana (A. Ayew)
65′ MIN: Cristiano Ronaldo converts from the spot into the net, giving goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi no chance.
GOOOAAALLL!!! Portugal 1-0 Ghana (C. Ronaldo)
Mohammed Salisu is adjudged to have brought down Cristiano Ronaldo and the referee blows for a penalty.
PENALTY!!! To Portugal
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT STADIUM 974: Portugal 0-0 Ghana
HALF-TIME AT STADIUM 974: Portugal 0-0 Ghana
KICK-OFF AT STADIUM 974: Portugal 0-0 Ghana
The Black Stars of Ghana have in their Starting XI newest entrant Inaki Williams, Mohammed Kudus, combative midfielder Thomas Partey and captain Andre Ayew.
Selecao manager Fernando Santos has opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Otavio, Joao Felix and skipper Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack. Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Neves are in midfield while Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo and Raphael Guerrero will be in the heart of defence.
Apex Football News 