Portugal bested Ghana by a score of 3 goals to 2 in a thrilling and historic match. It was perhaps the most closely contested and dramatic match seen so far at the World Cup in Qatar. The Ghanaian team, despite its lack of star talent, fought against the odds and came close to snatching a point in the match's closing moments. Cristiano Ronaldo made individual history as well. Apart from joining the exclusive club of players who have played in five World Cups, is the first player in history to now score in five World Cups.
The match started slow, with Portugal maintaining most of the control and creating the occasional chance, but nothing more. The tone of the game changed in the second half.
Both teams were revitalized coming out of the locker room, eager to gain an early advantage in the tournament. The fireworks began in the 64th minute, when Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty to add another record to his career and cement himself on soccer's Mount Rushmore. From then on, the floodgates were open. Ghana's persistence paid off, and in the 73rd minute, Ayew evened the score at a goal apiece.
Not even five minutes later, Joao Félix scored the second goal (2-1) for the Portuguese and, within a matter of moments, Rafael Leao extended the score (3-1). However, Ghana kept its focus, and Osman Bukari made it 3-2 in the 89th minute. The excitement of the match continued until the final moments, when Spanish-Ghanaian striker Iñaki Williams came close to capitalizing on a near-crucial mistake by Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
With the win, Portugal sits atop Group H with three points, followed by South Korea and Uruguay with one point each, and Ghana last with zero.
