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| Portugal vs Ghana at the FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar |
Ghana lost their opening game at the 2022 World Cup to Portugal on Thursday, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a controversial penalty in Doha.
Ronaldo’s goal put Portugal ahead, but Ghana’s fighting spirit paid off when Andre Ayew equalised. While Ghanaians were still celebrating, Portugal scored through Joao Felix, and it soon became 3-1 for the Europeans.
Substitute Osman Bukari gave Ghana hope with a close-range header, setting up a tense finish at the Stadium 974.
Portugal dominated territory and ball in a tedious opening 45, the two chances they created falling to Ronaldo. The first one slipped away thanks to a poor first touch and the second went begging when he headed wide having done all the hard work in climbing to meet a cross.
Things were much better after the break, Portugal handed the lead for a foul that just wasn’t, Mohammed Salisu on Ronaldo. Ronaldo slammed home from the post, but Ghana, inspired by Mohammed Kudus, soon equalised through Ayew.
Otto Addo, though, opted to take off both his strikers and within seconds, Portugal were 3-1 in front, Bruno Fernandes creating goals for Felix and Ayew that put this team in control of Group H and a gloss on the scoreline that their performance did not really deserve.
Then, just when it seemed like Ghana had given up, Osman Bukari scored a livener, but despite nine added minutes, Portugal hung on for the win.
