After Ghana played out a thrilling 3-2 match in their World Cup opener on Thursday at the Rass Abou Aboud Stadium in Qatar, Portugal was able to prevent a comeback.
Cristiano Ronaldo started and captained Portugal during a turbulent week off the field as they attempted to start their campaign with a win.
The unattached striker had the best opportunity early on when he bared down on goal, but the Ghanaian goalkeeper smothered the ball due to a poor touch.
With nearly 20 minutes remaining, Otto Addo’s team was adhering to their game plan of sitting deep and allowing Portugal the ball.
Portugal thought they had scored on the half-hour mark, but the referee saw a foul in the buildup, so Ronaldo’s goal was disallowed.
In the second half, Ghana attempted to rally a proactive forward effort, but the Black Stars were unable to demonstrate any real quality in the final third.
Mohammed Kudus, a midfielder for Ghana, finally had a shot at goal, but the fine daisy-cutter just missed the right post.
Additionally, Portugal had a chance to take the lead in the 64th minute.Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded a contentious penalty, and the former Manchester United striker converted it with a shot from 12 yards out.
Ghana scored an inspired equalizer shortly thereafter.After receiving a cross from the left, Andre Ayew tapped home from close range because he was in the right place at the right time.
However, Portugal quickly regained the lead, giving the match more life.
Bruno Fernandes played Joao Felix in, and the striker for Atletico Madrid finished coolly inside the area.
Rafael Leo made it 3-1 just a few seconds later.Before Leo calmly scored, he had only been on the field for less than three minutes. He had received a pass from Bruno Fernandes.
Osman Bukari, however, scored Ghana’s lone goal with one minute of normal time remaining by heading in at the far post.
Inaki Williams made a sneaky last-minute attempt from behind Diogo Costa as Portugal’s goalkeeper attempted to make a long kick after a missed goal chance, but Portugal was able to keep their lead.
