DOHA: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal held their nerves to keep spirited Ghana at the bay as they edged the African side 3-2 in the ongoing FIFA World Cup Group H thriller at Stadium 974 on Thursday.
Portugal busted the trend of shocks in this year’s FIFA World Cup as the side held brave Ghana despite a brave fight in the second half.
Portugal’s superstar Ronaldo put them ahead in the second half on penalty after both sides remained unable to taste a breakthrough in the first.
Ronaldo held his composure and hammered his right-footed strike over Ghana’s goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi and into the back of the net.
Following his 65th-minute penalty, Ronaldo became the only man to score at leas a goal in five world cups.
His counterpart Andre Ayew, however, took just eight minutes to fire an equalizer as the Ghana fans roared in delight.
Ghana’s celebrations, however, shortlived as Joao Felix restored Portugal’s lead five minutes later as he raced on to a through-ball and slotted his efforts over Ati-Zigi and fired into the nets.
Portugal then enhanced their domination over Ghana as Rafael Leao joined the scoring and doubled their lead and put his side into a commanding position.
The 88th minute marked a total of three substitutions made by Portugal including Ronaldo, who walked off the field two minutes away from the regulation time.
Osman Bukari then triggered a late twist with his 89th-minute consolation goal but the African side failed to net an equaliser; allowing Portugal to run away with the victory.