FIFA World Cup 2022, Portugal vs. Ghana | Ronaldo has chances in first half stalemate

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal controls the ball against Alexander Djiku of Ghana during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Portugal and Ghana at Stadium 974 on November 24, 2022, in Doha, Qatar.
| Photo Credit: Getty Images

Pre-match

Cristiano Ronaldo, appearing in his fifth FIFA World Cup, spearheaded Portugal’s attack against Ghana alongside Joao Felix in their opening Group H match on Thursday.

Ronaldo left Manchester United this week in an acrimonious split after he said he felt betrayed by the club, but his coach and teammates have said the upheaval was having no impact on Portugal’s preparations for their campaign in Qatar.

Follow Portugal vs. Ghana live updates here.

Portugal supporters, one with a mask of Portugal’s forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo on his head, cheer ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group H football match between Portugal and Ghana at Stadium 974 in Doha on November 24, 2022.
| Photo Credit:
AFP

Portugal coach Fernando Santos partnered Ronaldo with Atletico Madrid’s Felix in attack while Danilo Pereira joined Ruben Dias in the centre of defence. In midfield, Santos chose an attacking formation with only Ruben Neves as an anchor.

Ghana manager Otto Addo went for three central defenders in a bid to thwart Portugal and entrusted former Spain international Inaki Williams to lead his attack.

First half

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo scores a goal before play is brought back for a Ghana free kick.
| Photo Credit:
Reuters

Cristiano Ronaldo had the ball in the net and spurned two early chances in a goalless first half as Portugal dominated Ghana but were unable to make a breakthrough in their World Cup Group H match at the Stadium 974 on Thursday.

The 37-year-old Portugal captain might have had two goals inside the opening 15 minutes but missed both opportunities. He found the net from close range in the 31st minute but only after the referee had blown his whistle for an infringement against him. 

Ghana fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Portugal and Ghana at Stadium 974 on November 24, 2022, in Doha, Qatar.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

Teams

Portugal: Diogo Costa, Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, Ruben Dias, Raphael Guerreiro, Ruben Neves, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Otavio, Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portugal players line up for the team photos prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Portugal and Ghana at Stadium 974 on November 24, 2022, in Doha, Qatar.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

Ghana: Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Abdul-Rahman Baba, Daniel Amartey, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, Alidu Seidu, Thomas Partey, Salis Abdul Samed, Mohammed Kudus, Andre Ayew, Inaki Williams

Ghana players pose for a team photo ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group H football match between Portugal and Ghana at Stadium 974 in Doha on November 24, 2022.
| Photo Credit:
AFP