It’s official: Cristiano Ronaldo is the first player in history to score at five (yes, FIVE) FIFA World Cups.
The man who recently left Manchester United in acrimonious fashion opened the scoring for Portugal against Ghana on Thursday evening.
Ronaldo’s first goal at the 2022 World Cup follows on from strikes in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018.
His successful effort against Ghana came under rather controversial circumstances, though.
Fernando Santos’ side were struggling immensely to break down their stubborn and well-drilled opposition, particularly in what was a very dull first half.
But just past the hour mark at Stadium 974, Portugal were awarded a penalty after Ronaldo was ‘fouled’ by Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu.
And to say it was soft would be the understatement of all understatements.
There appeared to be minimal contact on Ronaldo inside the box and the 37-year-old certainly threw himself to the floor dramatically.
However, VAR refused to step in and overturn the call made by the referee, as it was not deemed a ‘clear and obvious’ error.
Shortly after Ronaldo set a new World Cup record, Ghana drew level through former Swansea City forward Andre Ayew.
Sadly for the Black Stars, the sweeping team move seemed to spark Portugal into life.
Joao Felix made it 2-1 with a brilliant dinked finish, before substitute Rafael Leao put the game to bed with a cool right-footed effort. Both goals were assisted by midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes.
Osman Bukari made things incredibly nervous for Portugal at the end by making it 3-2 with a close-range header, but the Iberian nation held out for a priceless win in their World Cup opener.
