The Portuguese national team started with a victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Fernando Santos' team outplayed Ghana 3-2 in the first round of the group stage match.
The first half ended 0-0, and the referees cancelled Cristiano Ronaldo's goal early in the game due to his foul. But in the second half referees discovered a foul in the penalty area of Ghana against the Portuguese player - and in the 65th minute Cristiano converted a penalty. He became the first player in history to score at five World Cups.
In the 73rd minute André Ayew leveled the score, but in the 78th minute João Félix put Portugal ahead again. In the 80th minute, Fernandes gave an assist to Rafael Leão.
After Cristiano Ronaldo had been substituted, Bukari reduced Ghana's falling behind to a minimum. However, ten added minutes were not enough for the African national team to make the score equal.
World Cup, Group H, Round 1
Portugal v Ghana - 3-2 (0-0)
Goals: Ronaldo, 65 penalty - 1:0, A. Ayew, 68 - 1:1, João Félix, 78 - 2:1, Leão, 80 - 3:1, Bukari, 89 - 3:2.
In the other Group H match, Uruguay and South Korea played 0-0. Thus, Portugal topped the group with 3 points. In the next round, it will play with Uruguay, and Ghana - with South Korea.
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