Portugal got off to a winning start at the 2022 World Cup after an exciting 3-2 victory against Ghana. The Seleçao dominated the first half but were unable to break the deadlock, Ronaldo spurning the best chance in the 10th minute.

Fernando Santos’ side deservedly went ahead in the 65th minute when Ronaldo won and converted a penalty. The lead lasted just eight minutes however when André Ayew converted from close range.

Bruno Fernandes assisted two quick fire goals for João Félix and Rafael Leão with the victory seemingly assured, Osman Bukari reducing the deficit in the 89th minute to set up a grandstand finish.

Portugal endured nine minutes of added time, Diogo Costa narrowly escaping an embarrassing situation in the final minute when he was outsmarted by Iñaki Williams.

PortuGOAL’s Matthew Marshall reports from Stadium 974

Portugal assert their authority

Bernardo Silva saw plenty of the ball in the opening stages, the playmaker enjoying a free role which allowed him to roam across the pitch in an attempt to create overloads.

Portugal’s press was being effectively implemented, hunting in packs to win the ball in Ghana’s half which was resulting in chances being created.

The first came in the 10th minute when Mohammed Kudus lost possession, Bruno Fernandes finding Cristiano Ronaldo who couldn’t control the ball in time with Lawrence Ati Zigi making an important save.

Portugal’s intricate passing on the edge of the box was causing Ghana plenty of problems. Raphaël Guerreiro sent a cross into the box which saw Ronaldo rise high and head wide.

The Seleçao continued to dominate possession but were unable to go through Ghana’s deep lying defence, attempts to go over it just as problematic. The African side were frequently resorting to cheap fouls with referee Ismail Elfath unwilling to brandish any yellow cards. 

 


 

Portugal 3-2 Ghana match reaction

 


 

Ronaldo denied

Ronaldo put the ball in the back of the net in the 31st minute but the goal was ruled out for a soft foul on Alexander Djiku.

Ghana eventually won their first corner in the 37th minute which signaled a brief spell of pressure from the African side, but they were unable to manufacture a single shot in the opening half.

Ghana created their first attempt in the 55th minute, Kudus turning Rúben Neves inside out before driving forward and firing a low drive that narrowly missed the post.

A minute later Otávio picked up a knock and was replaced by William Carvalho.

João Félix got into a heated confrontation with Alidu Seidu which saw both players clash heads, the skull to skull confrontation largely instigated by the Portuguese forward. He soon got his revenge however, playing a ball into the box from which Portugal won a penalty.

Game on!

Ronaldo latched onto the ball and went to ground after minimal contact with Mohammed Salisu, stepping up and slamming an unstoppable spot kick past Zigi to become the first male player to score in five World Cups.

Ghana refused to lie down with Kudus the instigator, firing their first shot on target in the 72nd minute which stung Diogo Costa’s hands. A minute later Kudus played a big role in the equaliser.

The Ajax attacking midfielder latched onto a through ball that didn’t appear to have his name on it, his cross going through Danilo and finding André Ayew who had a simple finish from close range.

Otto Addo soon made two changes to protect two of his booked players, Kudus and Ayew replaced with Osman Bukari and Jordan Ayew.

Portugal go two goals clear

Fernando Santos introduced Rafael Leão for Rúben Neves in the 77th minute and three minutes later Portugal had taken a 3-1 lead.

Bruno Fernandes’ through ball evaded Abdul-Rahman Baba, Félix accepting the gift and showing composure to slot the ball past Zigi. 

Félix then won the ball inside Portugal’s half, Fernandes racing clear and releasing Leão who found the bottom corner with a smart first time finish.

Santos made a triple switch in the closing stages with Bernardo Silva, Félix and Ronaldo making way for João Palhinha, João Mário and Gonçalo Ramos. 

 


 

Portugal vs. Ghana player ratings

 


 

Uncomfortable ending

Just when it seemed like a comfortable cruise to the finish line was coming up, Ghana got a goal back in the 89th minute. Baba won a duel with Cancelo, his deflected cross falling perfectly for an unmarked Bukari who headed the ball past Costa.

The goal set up a nervy nine minutes of added time which had Portuguese supporters on the edge of their seats.

It was largely negotiated with minimal fuss until Diogo Costa had a brain explosion in the final minute of the game, rolling the ball in front of him unaware that Iñaki Williams was waiting in the shadows. Williams stole the ball and slipped over, Rúben Dias recovering to clear the danger and preserve the three points.

A win is a win

Portugal completely bossed the first half with Ghana requiring 72 minutes to test Diogo Costa. There was some scintillating attacking and link up play on display which will provide plenty of confidence that more goals are on the way.

It was difficult for João Cancelo and Raphaël Guerreiro to get into attacking positions due to the nature of Ghana’s wing-back formation and Santos selecting one defensive midfielder.

Conceding two goals is obviously not ideal, but the first was slightly fortunate, the second a result of losing an individual duel and a deflection.

There were enough positives to take from the match however, many of those revolving around Bruno Fernandes and João Félix who justified his starting spot and will have gained plenty of confidence after instigating two of Portugal’s goals and scoring the second.

Portugal are in a great position, a two point lead at the top of Group H before taking on Uruguay and South Korea.

Looking ahead

Otávio was rewarded with a start in Doha, his versatility and tenacity useful attributes in midfield, especially in the first half as a key part of Portugal’s press.

Fernando Santos has so many options, and with Otávio picking up a knock and Uruguay presenting a different challenge, particularly in midfield, we could see some changes against the South American side.

Nuno Mendes had muscle pain which saw Raphaël Guerreiro get the nod at left-back. Mendes will be hoping to be fit for Uruguay which will be a big boost for the Seleçao.

Danilo partnered Rúben Dias in central defence and had a solid game. Let’s see how Pepe is utilised in Qatar, the 39-year-old surely desperate to get on the pitch in his final international tournament but unable to play every four days.

Ronaldo breaking more records

Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the show in Doha, many of the international journalists and football supporters in attendance in Doha seeing the superstar live in the flesh for the first time.

He had two great chances to score in the opening 15 minutes before stepping up to score his 118th international goal from the penalty spot.

Fernando Santos described him as a phenomenon, saying “in 50 years we will continue to talk about him”. None would argue.

The 37-year-old became the first male player to score in five World Cups, yet another achievement on his ever growing list of goalscoring records that may never be equaled or surpassed.

Line Ups

Portugal (4-1-3-2): Diogo Costa - João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Danilo, Raphael Guerreiro, Otávio (William Carvalho, 56'), Rúben Neves (Leão, 77'), Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva (João Palhinha, 88'), Cristiano Ronaldo (Gonçalo Ramos, 88'), João Félix (João Mário, 88')

Ghana (5-3-2): Lawrence, Mohammed Salisu, Thomas Partey, André Ayew (Jordan Ayew, 77'), Rahman Baba, Daniel Amartey, Iñaki Williams, Mohammed Kudus (Bukari, 77'), Salis Abdul Samed (Antoine Semenyo, 90'), Alexander Djiku (Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, 90'), Alidu Seidu (Lamptey, 66') 

Goals:

[1-0] Ronaldo (pen), 65'

[1-1] André Ayew, 73' 

[2-1] João Félix, 78'

[3-1] Rafael Leão, 80'

[3-2] Osman Bukari, 89'

 

Comments (69)

This comment was minimized by the moderator on the site

Geez, I really hope it gets better from here. A win is a win but they do not look organized. Guerrero is a liability.

dave c
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Cancelo was worse

Jerrold Hewson
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Agreed.

He really has been poor defensively even for Man City, towards the end the season, got an unnecessary Red Card against Fulham and of course botched his duties to gift Salah a goal against Liverpool.

Further, he plays consistently on the...

Agreed.

He really has been poor defensively even for Man City, towards the end the season, got an unnecessary Red Card against Fulham and of course botched his duties to gift Salah a goal against Liverpool.

Further, he plays consistently on the left now and plays with a lot of freedom at Man City.

He seems to be shackled on the right playing for Portugal. Often gives very little going forward and is an average defender.

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Paulo
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Some sloppy defense from Portugal + lost concentration almost cost them the win. Not sure Danilo is the way to go in central defense. Santos waited too long again to make changes. Heard lots of complaints that Ronaldo PK shouldn't have been...

Some sloppy defense from Portugal + lost concentration almost cost them the win. Not sure Danilo is the way to go in central defense. Santos waited too long again to make changes. Heard lots of complaints that Ronaldo PK shouldn't have been called, but the man was totally robbed on his fine goal in 1st half being called for foul. You mean you can't outmuscle another big guy?

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F.C.JCHarvard
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Good evening mister Santos, Bruno here from the Luso Australian daily, a few questions
1. You made three subs in the last 5 minutes, what was going on in your head when you contemplated that? Aren't you old enough to know it's not over til it's...

Good evening mister Santos, Bruno here from the Luso Australian daily, a few questions
1. You made three subs in the last 5 minutes, what was going on in your head when you contemplated that? Aren't you old enough to know it's not over til it's over and to 1. Show the opposition more respect and 2 not give your own players the sense that it's party time. I understand bringing on a fwd and whilst Palhinha and Joao Mario are good players can you tell me what they did other than stuff up the rhythm and cohesion?

Next question, can you please tell your players to stop begging for free kicks, stop trying to make fouls look worse than they are and to get up and get on with it ?That part of our culture is universally embarrassing and I actually think a broken nose would do wonders for the character growing process of Felix

Finally, it's not all criticism . Congratulations on the 3 points and let's go again

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BJRMB
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Not sure what game you were watching Palhinha (I saw two great tackles) and Joao Mario did what they were tasked to do, not their fault the callous Cancelo gave up the second goal. That was more on a player break down then the sub tactics.

Tony
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It’s a win! However it was uninspiring, slow and frustrating to watch. Too many blow par performances from our so called stars that does not give me any confidence that we can beat the other two teams in the group. No ingenuity, or creativity,...

It’s a win! However it was uninspiring, slow and frustrating to watch. Too many blow par performances from our so called stars that does not give me any confidence that we can beat the other two teams in the group. No ingenuity, or creativity, irrespective of their low block. Poor Portugal…we may scrap through… but that’s about it.

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Joao Tex
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Few Observations
1. Santos is a clown.
2. I don't know if the clown even watches any of his players playing outside Portugal. Palhinha is the best player in the over achieving Fulham team. Top 5 midfielder in the Prem right now probably the best...

Few Observations
1. Santos is a clown.
2. I don't know if the clown even watches any of his players playing outside Portugal. Palhinha is the best player in the over achieving Fulham team. Top 5 midfielder in the Prem right now probably the best in terms of defense.
3. Diogo Costa looked nervous. I will be sceptical starting him next game.
4. Ronaldo was actually not bad. The offside miss would have killed the game. I don't think he was actually offside. Still looks rusty though. Hopefully the goal gets him out of his funk.
5. Ruben Dias in a Portugal Jersey is meh. Although he saved us at the end.
6. We need to somehow integrate Leao in the team.

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21_savage
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I think he's been changing the midfield every other game but is no closer to finding one that functions. I don't think he has a clue who the best 11 is.

Santos
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A perfect game for Santos.

He now knows that he should revise the midfield.

Ruben Neves offers nothing to the game.

We need Joao Mario in.

Felix and Leao should start every game.

We also need Vitinha in, Otavio out.

I believe Nuno Mendes...

A perfect game for Santos.

He now knows that he should revise the midfield.

Ruben Neves offers nothing to the game.

We need Joao Mario in.

Felix and Leao should start every game.

We also need Vitinha in, Otavio out.

I believe Nuno Mendes will start against Uruguay.

The team will only get better.

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Will
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I agree with those statements. Who do you take out, Raphael or Cancelo? If I hadn’t watched this game I’d automatically say Raphael, but Cancelo was pretty bad today.

Emmett
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Cancelo was shocking. Can't get my head around how Portugal never seen the Cancelo from Man City. Guerreiro I feel has always been defensively a liability. I think Mario Rui deserved more of a chance personally but Cancelo was worse today.

Santos
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No kidding, where is he? I really thought he would be a key to the offense, but he was a real detriment to the effort today. I really hope Felix continues to be aggressive, I love his attitude lately.

Emmett
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JOAO CANCELO needs to be benched, he was not a player defensively nor helping the attack, all attacks came from the right. It looked like he was on VACATION.

Neville
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My good god every one is in the streets cars are going crazy, i am very very disappointed my god danilo danilo danilo cancelo raphael how shit are they...

i mean have i lost my mind here or why did he leave renato sanches ay home ffs why...

our...

My good god every one is in the streets cars are going crazy, i am very very disappointed my god danilo danilo danilo cancelo raphael how shit are they...

i mean have i lost my mind here or why did he leave renato sanches ay home ffs why...

our best player...

bernardo was not as his best raphael leao looked tired after 4 touches...

why is joao mario even there..

why did nunes go if hes not going too use him...

i mean a flukey win shackey shackey team...

it cabt be any worse playing for a draw ffs...

felix defo under jorge medes is he...

octavio holds the ball way too long...

forca we will need it man we will need it...

ronaldo good game
palinha was very good when entered

bruno well he made the goals so fair play...

but danilo in defence when antonio is there odeer please lets not see him again
..

replace dalot with cancelo and mendes with rapaha for punishemnet

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Tomas Sheehan
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Not a bad lineup , I would have started Vitinha(Moutinho 2.0) to slice up that stubborn Ghana resistance like Will eluded to on here. It should be noted that Ghana were well organized and played well. It seems like Portugoal fans rarely take...

Not a bad lineup , I would have started Vitinha(Moutinho 2.0) to slice up that stubborn Ghana resistance like Will eluded to on here. It should be noted that Ghana were well organized and played well. It seems like Portugoal fans rarely take that into account.

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Gee Dee
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Wow, that looked like to me a set up not to lose versus to win. No need for otavio and Bernardo and Bruno.

I couldn't believe leao didn't start....and I couldn't believe matheus or palhninha didn't come in sooner.

It's a win..but moving forward...

Wow, that looked like to me a set up not to lose versus to win. No need for otavio and Bernardo and Bruno.

I couldn't believe leao didn't start....and I couldn't believe matheus or palhninha didn't come in sooner.

It's a win..but moving forward thats just not good enough.

I suspect leao and nuno Mendes to start against Korea. Felix will stay and you might see Danilo in midfield if pepe is ready with Bernardo and Bruno or William in mid...

He is too afraid to play Bruno in a 10 and Bernardo as an 8 unless desperate.


Forca

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Joe
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Completely unconvincing. Obviously happy with the win but for me we will need to be much better against the other two sides and recent history doesn't lead me to believe we will massively improve.

Collectively we look poor and when you look...

Completely unconvincing. Obviously happy with the win but for me we will need to be much better against the other two sides and recent history doesn't lead me to believe we will massively improve.

Collectively we look poor and when you look collectively poor game after game you have to point fingers at the manager. I can just see us going into the last game "only" needing a draw and cocking it up in the final minutes. Mind you, I Said before and I stand by it, if we limp through the group in second and lose in the last 16 and that's considered acceptable by the FPF then it's better to crash out in groups if that at least provokes a change.

Happy for Ronaldo scoring at 5 WC and I thought he was generally decent, unlucky to have a goal disallowed in the first half but also two bad finishes. It's clear as day his level is not what it was. I hope his substitution means we might be able to approach games with a bit more flexibility upfront. I can't see how he can go 90 minutes plus extra time at high intensity in knockout rounds (if we even get that far). But at least he didn't have a tantrum when he came off.

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Santos
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