Cristiano Ronaldo closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and made World Cup history.
Posted on – 12:03 AM, Fri – 25 November 22
(Photo by Associated Press)
doha: Cristiano Ronaldo closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and made World Cup history.
The Portugal striker became the first man to score in five World Cups with a 65th-minute penalty in Thursday’s 3-2 win over Ghana.
Andre Argyle leveled for Ghana eight minutes later, but João Felix put Portugal back in the lead in the 78th minute, with Rafael Leo adding three more goals. Osman Bukari narrowed Ghana’s deficit in the 89th over.
Ronaldo, 37, is looking to showcase his talents to potential new clubs following the termination of his contract with Manchester United this week. After wasting two good chances in the first half, he went down on a challenge from Ghanaian defender Mohamed Salisu to earn a penalty.
After the ball hit the net, a smiling Ronaldo turned away, performing his customary jump and turn in the air – as the crowd chanted his trademark “SI-UUU” as he turned – before being mobbed by team-mates .
He has now scored in every World Cup since his debut in 2006 and has a record 118 international goals.
Portugal defender Danilo saved the ball from near the penalty line in the ninth minute of stoppage time, a frantic end to a slow-burning World Cup game. Ronaldo, who was sitting on the coach’s bench after being replaced, breathed a sigh of relief and put his hands on his head.
Ronaldo was naturally in the spotlight at the start of his fifth and likely final World Cup, not least after a worrying performance for the tournament, which he criticized in an unauthorized, candid interview Manchester United’s manager, owner and team-mates. He parted ways with the English club on Tuesday, meaning he was in the Qatar window.
Another scoring record to add luster to his resume. A penalty against Iran in 2006 began his World Cup goalscoring record – now eight in 18 games – and after a long, dramatic build-up, he topped the ball with his most recent penalty. Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Atti.
Bruno Fernandes arguably played a more important role in Portugal’s victory, setting up his side’s second and third goals with flawless through balls.
