The FIFA Qatar World Cup has been incredible so far. Portugal entered the competition as one of the favorites to win the coveted trophy. They faced Ghana in the opening game of the world cup. Cristiano Ronaldo helped the team grab a close win over Ghana. Portugal is now at the top of the Group H table. South Korea and Uruguay take the next spots after playing out a scoreless draw. Ghana, who scored 2 goals in a close loss to Portugal, sits last in the group.
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Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for Portugal through a penalty. However, Ghana equalized through Andre Ayew minutes later. Refusing to back down, Portugal scored two quick goals to take a comfortable 3-1 lead with just minutes left for full-time. Contrary to the first half, goals came in.
Ghana had plans to match Portugal stride for stride. They scored their 2nd goal to stay in the game, with only a slip from striker Inaki Williams taking away their chance to equalize the second time. The game ended 3-2 in the favor of Portugal.
Fans react to Portugal’s controversial penalty leading to Cristiano Ronaldo record
Despite a crazy game, several fans called out the refereeing on the penalty awarded to Portugal. They expressed their displeasure on social media reacting to the controversial decision. There was some contact with Ronaldo. However, fans feel that it was too soft for a penalty.
Following are some of the reactions to Ronaldo’s controversial penalty:
They didn’t even check for offside and it was same as lautaro one. Tournament is rigged for Portugal
— Fred 🇹🇯 (@FredHabib1) November 24, 2022
Again VAR is a joke! Defender clearly takes the ball. What's going on with this World Cup last two days
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) November 24, 2022
I’m so confused. Two days ago we were VAR’ing everything, calling back goals for 12” offsides. Now we’re just letting Portugal do anything without question? Absolutely brutal inconsistency.
— Shane Londagin (@ShaneLondagin) November 24, 2022
Absolutely disgusting refereeing to allow Portugal’s penalty… not even close to a penalty… a case for offside for the second. After the worst penalty decision I have ever seen … if I had been Ghana manager…I would have called the team off the pitch, and left the stadium.
— @ mariocorrigan (@maz7555) November 24, 2022
I just knew Ronaldo would dive. The game was becoming too tough for him to handle. It's inevitable!
— BeksFCB (@Joshua_Ubeku) November 24, 2022
More corruption from Fifa. Ronaldo is a diving cheat. Portugal 3rd goal offside not even checked. #Fifa #Corrupt #PORGHA #Ronaldo #Cheat #Dive #Offside pic.twitter.com/Vzx6MqQtRD
— Gary Legend (@ComeAtMeBro187) November 24, 2022
Portugal brushed past Ghana by a single goal and now sits at the top of the Group H table. Ghana will occupy the last spot on the table as Uruguay and South Korea played out a scoreless draw earlier today.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will next face 2-time world champions Uruguay. A win in the next game could all but ensure their progress to the next round.
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Ghana, despite its loss, will enter the next game with their heads high. They put up a strong fight against a formidable Portugal side. They still have a good chance of making it to the next round. South Korea and Uruguay played a goalless draw and failed to register a single shot on target in the game.
WATCH THIS STORY: From Arsenal to PSG – Clubs That Almost Signed Cristiano Ronaldo
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This could very well be utilized by the spirited Ghana side, who will be planning to go all guns blazing in the remaining games. They are four-time African champions and certainly know how to perform on the international stage.
What do you think of Ghana’s chances of qualifying for the next round? Let us know in the comment section below.