Ronaldo relaxed ahead of Portugal World Cup opener versus Ghana
Portugal play Ghana in the 2022 World Cup today with Cristiano Ronaldo playing in his first match since leaving Manchester United by mutual consent earlier this week following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan ahead of the tournament.
The 37-year-old Portugal captain is playing in his fifth World Cup and admits it will probably be his last chance to try and win the Jules Rimet trophy. He bids to do so alongside plenty of talented players including Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Rafael Leao.
But Ghana will be no pushovers and boast quality throughout their side, including the Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey at the heart of the team. Every game will be crucial in what has been pinpointed as the most evenly matched group at the tournament, with Uruguay and South Korea also competing for a place in the knockout rounds. Follow all the action with our live blog below:
World Cup 2022: Portugal vs Ghana updates
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World Cup 2022: Portugal 0-0 Ghana
49 mins: Salisu looks to break along Ghana’s right flank, but he’s dragged down by Otavio.
Moments later, it’s Otavio who wins a free kick after A Ayew fouls the Portugal man, who had turned him nicely.
Alex Pattle24 November 2022 17:07
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World Cup 2022: Portugal 0-0 Ghana
46 mins: No changes from either coach at the break.
Alex Pattle24 November 2022 17:03
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World Cup 2022: Portugal 0-0 Ghana
Let’s hope we’re not headed for another goalless draw at the Qatar World Cup…
(REUTERS)
Alex Pattle24 November 2022 17:03
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World Cup 2022: Portugal 0-0 Ghana
A reminder that the other Group H game today ended 0-0 between Uruguay and South Korea.
Here’s Ben Burrows’ match report from Qatar:
Alex Pattle24 November 2022 16:55
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World Cup 2022: Portugal 0-0 Ghana
This was the moment, just after the half-hour mark, when Ronaldo put the ball in the Ghana net.
The goal was ruled out, however, with the Portugal captain deemed to have fouled his defender just before.
In fact, the whistle went as Ronaldo struck the ball.
(REUTERS)
(AFP via Getty Images)
Alex Pattle24 November 2022 16:51
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World Cup 2022: Portugal 0-0 Ghana
Half-time: Goalless at the break, with Ronaldo’s ruled-out goal marking the closest either team has come to breaking the deadlock.
Alex Pattle24 November 2022 16:48
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Portugal 0-0 Ghana
45 mins: Just the two minutes of added time.
Alex Pattle24 November 2022 16:46
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Portugal 0-0 Ghana
44 mins: Cancelo slings a low cross into the Ghana penalty area from the right, but it’s behind a huddle of bodies and bounces through the box completely.
Portugal soon work it back to the right, where Otavio sees an opening and fires a shot goalwards… and just over.
Alex Pattle24 November 2022 16:45
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Portugal 0-0 Ghana
44 mins: Clever footwork from Fernandes draws a foul in the Ghana half.
The free kick is taken quickly, with Portugal happy to build a move rather than sending a long ball into the box.
Alex Pattle24 November 2022 16:43
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Portugal 0-0 Ghana
42 mins: Ronaldo receives the ball on the left wing and drives into the Ghana box, where he completes a give-and-go with (now-former United teammate) Fernandes…
It’s a neat exchange, but Ronaldo’s subsequent shot on the angle is blocked by Partey.
Alex Pattle24 November 2022 16:42