Qatar '22: Portugal beat Ghana 3-2 in opening game
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score at five Fifa World Cups as Portugal began their campaign with a thrilling victory over Ghana.
Ronaldo was playing for the first time since his controversial television interview last week and his subsequent release by Manchester United following the comments.
And the 37-year-old scored the opening goal from the penalty spot, hammering in after being tripped in the box by Ghana's Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu.
Captain Ronaldo had a couple of chances early on but a low shot was smothered by Lawrence Ati-Zigi and he also headed wide at the far post.
The forward had a goal disallowed for a push on Alexander Djiku while at the other end, Ghana did not have a single shot in the opening period.
The Africans improved in the second period as Mohammed Kudus drilled narrowly wide of the far post and got their reward when Andre Ayew equalised from close range.
But Portugal responded with two goals in two minutes to seal the points - Joao Felix converting a delightfully clipped finish and substitute Rafael Leao coolly stroking in just seconds after coming on.
Osman Bukhari headed in a late consolation for Ghana and there could have been real drama in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
Goalkeeper Diogo Costa put the ball down, seemingly unaware Inaki Williams was behind him, but after racing to intercept the ball, the Ghana forward slipped at the crucial moment and a scuffed shot was cleared off the line.
Victory means Portugal top Group H after Uruguay and South Korea played out a goalless draw earlier on Thursday.
Source: BBC
Trending Sports
Works on Penkwase astroturf resumes
20:14Yaw Preko: Former Black Stars striker to manage new U-15 national male team
13:25Ahiagah, Zinabu, Kuubetegr and Govina target Paris 2024 Paralympics Games Qualification in 2024 Marrakech WPA Grand Prix
13:14West Ham exploring Amorin option should Moyes leave club
10:10Bellingham strikes late as Real beat furious Barcelona
12:14United scrape into FA Cup final after stunning Coventry comeback
03:58Marseille beat Benfica in shootout to reach semis
09:35Man City treble dreams left in tatters by Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid'
05:56Kylian Mbappe: Will France striker help Paris St-Germain to elusive Champions League trophy?
07:12