Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name in the history books once again by becoming the first man to score at five World Cups when Portugal overcame Ghana 3-2 on Thursday.
The 37-year-old controversially won and drilled home a penalty in the 65th minute of the Qatar 2022 Group H encounter to set his side on their way. While Andre Ayew equalised for Ghana, the Europeans turned on the afterburners with two quick-fire goals to effectively seal the deal at Stadium 974.
Joao Felix produced a delicate finish to restore the lead. Rafael Leao added a third to hand the Selecao their first win in the opening match of the World Cup since 2006. This was despite the fact that Osman Bukari pulled another one back for Ghana a minute from time.
Ronaldo’s latest international goal moves him ahead of Pele, Uwe Seeler and Miroslav Klose, who all netted at four World Cups.
📸🗣️| #FifaWorldCup
• Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in FIVE WORLD CUPS after he netted in Portugal's opening Group H game against Ghana at Qatar 2022.
.#FootyGhana | https://t.co/cOdDhcSTGq | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/t4FGfeVZmJ
— Footy-Ghana.com 🇬🇭 (@FootyGhana) November 24, 2022
“I am very happy for the team to have put on an excellent performance. It was difficult but we deserved to win.”
“It is a beautiful moment in my fifth World Cup. We won, and we started on a good foot. It’s a very important win. We know the first match is crucial.
“The world record is also something that makes me very proud,” Ronaldo told reports.
Portugal coach Fernando Santos hailed Ronaldo, who is playing in what is likely his last World Cup, as a legend of the game.
“I believe people will continue to speak about his achievements. He is a phenomenon, a legend like others in football.
“In 50 years’ time, we will continue to talk about him,” said Santos.
Portugal top Group H with three points and next face Uruguay on Monday, while Ghana also play South Korea.
