World Cup 2022 highlights: Portugal escapes Ghana, 3-2
The 2022 FIFA World Cup continued Thursday with Portugal narrowly outlasting Ghana, 3-2, at Stadium 974 in Ras Abu Aboud, Qatar, picking up three points in Group H with the win.
It marks Portugal's first World Cup victory in an opening match since 2006, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored once Thursday, made history as the first men's player to score in five different FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Earlier, Switzerland earned three points in Group G after taking care of business against Cameroon, winning 1-0 to open the day, while Uruguay and South Korea battled to a scoreless draw in the day's second match. Both squads grabbed one point in Group H for their efforts.
You can watch this game and every match of the tournament on the FOX Sports family of networks — the tournament's official English-language broadcast partner in the U.S. — and the FOX Sports app and FOXSports.com. You can also stream full-match replays for free on Tubi.
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It was Portugal's first win in an opening game of the WC since 2006.
Here are the top plays.
22': Air Ronaldo arrives
Ronaldo had a chance to put Portugal in the lead early with this header, but he wasn't able to connect. He did catch some air in the process though.
30': Goal called off
Ronaldo connected with the net at the half-hour mark, but the goal was promptly called off due to a foul on Ghana defender Alexander Djiku. Just like that, things remained scoreless headed into halftime.
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Cristiano Ronaldo's goal was overturned by a foul call in Portugal's matchup with Ghana in the 2022 FIFA World Cup during the 30th minute after a foul call.
57': Seeing yellow
Things quickly got heated in the second half. Ghana's André Ayew was shown the yellow card in the 49th minute, followed by teammate Alidu Seidu receiving a yellow card after contact with Portugal's João Félix.
65': Goal!
Ronaldo scored on a penalty kick to put Portugal up 1-0 in the 65th minute, becoming the first men's player to score in five different FIFA World Cup tournaments.
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Cristiano Ronaldo scores a goal for Portugal in the 2022 Men's FIFA World Cup.
73': Ghana ties it
Portugal's lead was short-lived, as Ayew connected with the net in the 73rd minute to knot things up, 1-1.
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André Ayew's second-half goal ties Portugal in the 2022 Men's FIFA World Cup.
78': Portugal responds
Félix, assisted by Bruno Fernandes, came up with a big second-half goal to put Portugal back in the lead, 2-1.
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João Félix scores a second-half goal vs. Ghana in the 2022 Men's FIFA World Cup.
80': All gas, no brake
Two minutes later, Rafael Leão punched one in for Portugal following a fast break to extend their lead, 3-1.
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Rafael Leão scores a goal against Ghana in the 2022 Men's FIFA World Cup.
89': Ghana keeps it close
Ghana midfielder Osman Bukari closed the gap slightly in the final few minutes, 3-2, with a header.
It wasn't enough to spark a comeback, however, and things ended there.
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Osman Bukari scores a goal against Portugal in the 2022 Men's FIFA World Cup.
PREGAME
Setting the stage
All eyes were on Portuguese superstar Ronaldo as he took the field Thursday.
The 37-year-old sent shock waves through the sports world this week when news broke that he left his club, Manchester United, by mutual consent, and that he was suspended and fined by the Football Association for two matches with whatever club he lands with next. Ronaldo skipped his media duties as national team captain at the squad’s official FIFA news conference Thursday, but fans still poured in to support the star.
History in the making
Ronaldo., who tied the men’s record for playing in five different FIFA World Cup tournaments with Thursday's start, became emotional as Portugal's national song, "A Portuguesa," blasted through the stadium ahead of all the action.
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Cristiano Ronaldo teared up during Portugal's National Anthem before their match against Ghana in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Read more from the World Cup:
- World Cup 2022 highlights: Switzerland wins 1-0 vs. Cameroon
- World Cup 2022 highlights: Urguay-South Korea battle to scoreless tie
- Who should USA fans root for in Iran vs. Wales?
- Why the USA can find vindication in World Cup's two big upsets
- World Cup 2022 odds: Expect record-breaking betting on USMNT-Wales match
- USMNT embracing underdog role against England ahead of Friday's match
- Jedi Robinson has personal motivation to summon the force vs. England
- What's up with England star Harry Kane's injury?
- USMNT remains confident ahead of match vs. England
- 3 positives from USMNT's draw with Wales
- How the USMNT restored its culture
- Why young USMNT roster isn't sweating a lack of World Cup experience
- Get to know the USMNT's 26-man World Cup roster
- How to watch every game of the 2022 World Cup
Check out the full schedule for the World Cup and how to watch each match live here.