Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score at five World Cups as he helped Portugal produce one of the high-scoring football scores of the midweek action. Ronaldo became a free agent after leaving Manchester United by mutual consent after making offensive remarks. After Mohammed Salisu fouled him, he made history to appease his critics by converting the first penalty kick (65). In the 73rd minute, veteran Ghanaian striker Andre Ayew scored from close range against the run of play. Portugal soon responded with goals from Joao Felix (78) and substitute Rafael Leao (80), both of which were assisted by Bruno Fernandes. A stressful conclusion for Portugal was caused by Osman Bukari’s score for Ghana’s second goal (89).
In the 31st minute, Ronaldo did succeed in scoring to keep Portugal ahead, but his celebrations were cut short by the official’s decision that he had fouled Alexander Djiku before beating Ati-Zigi. Ronaldo has become a transfer target for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal after being released by Manchester United. Despite failing to capitalize on a Guerreiro header that landed to him within the six-yard box during the first half, Ronaldo continued to cut a disgruntled figure. However, after the break, the situation significantly changed.
Ayew of Ghana scored from close range to momentarily tie the game after Portuguese defender Danilo Pereira was unable to stop a dangerous Mohammed Kudus cutback. After Felix had finished coolly off Fernandes’ through-ball, Leao, who had just replaced Felix, scored his first goal for Brazil three minutes later off another Fernandes assist. Fernando Santos replaced Ronaldo for the final few minutes, but Bukari scored again owing to a gaffe by Joao Cancelo, and Williams’ steal of Costa in the dying seconds gave the game away.
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