The Black Stars failed to hold on till the last minute as Portugal swung into action late to claim all three points.
Share:Portugal managed to find a win against Ghana on Thursday night despite the Black Stars responding quickly to an opening goal from Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal are hopeful of a group stage qualification after their 3-2 victory against Ghana which came at a hard cost as the Africans appeared to have gained so much pressure late in the game.
After a tight battled first half, Portugal finally claimed the lead in the second half after five time Balon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo was tripped in the 18-yard-box.
The former Real Madrid man in the same night he became the first player to win Man of the Match awards in all 5 different FIFA World Cups, also did set another record as he netted from the penalty spot to become the first player ever to score in five different world cups tournaments.
Not long before Andre Ayew helped the Ghanaians get back on level ground after he carefully finished off a low cross to make the score level again.
Joao Felix netted his 4th goal for Portugal in a very important moment as he helped the Europeans regain their lead against Ghana with Bruno Fernandes providing the assist.
A link up player in the midfield helped push the attack for Bruno Fernandes to set up another goal but this time substitute Rafael Leao scored to extend Portugal’s lead.
With the time already against them, Ghana managed to respond on one foot after former Chelsea player, Baba Rahman beat Joao Cancelo in a mini contest to set up Bukari who rushed down the sidelines to hit the Siiiuuu celebration after heading into the opponents’ goal post.
Ghana came very close to equalizing at the last minute after Nico Williams hid behind the Goalkeeper after he claimed a cross, with the Keeper rolling out the ball for a long pass, Nico Williams appeared immediately to steal the ball but an attempt to put the stolen ball into the post was blocked by a highly conscious defense from Portugal.
Portugal finished the night at the top of the Group H, 2 points ahead of Uruguay who shared spoils with South Korea following their goalless draw.
Ghana battle South Korea next while Portugal lock horns with Uruguay as they continue search for a knockout stage qualification.