Doha – Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo made World Cup history Thursday as he became the first player ever to score in five different editions to lead his team to a 3-2 win over Ghana in their Group H match at Stadium 974 in Qatar.
Ronaldo gave Portugal the lead in the 65th minute from the penalty spot with his 118th goal in 192 appearances but their joy barely lasted as Andre Ayew brought parity in the 73rd minute.
Joao Felix and Rafael Leao then scored one each in the 78th and 80th minute to propel Portugal to the driving seat.
And although Osman Bukari pulled one back in the 89th minute, Portugal left the field with all three points to top the group ahead of Uruguay and South Korea, who earlier in the day played out a goalless draw.
Portugal superstar Ronaldo got his first opportunity to achieve the feat when he found himself in a one-on-one situation with Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi, but failed to beat the keeper after a poor first touch.
Ronaldo got another chance three minutes later, but this time his towering header flew over the bar.
Both the chances came within the quarter-hour mark.
He, however, found the back of the net at the half-hour mark but the referee blew the whistle for a foul.
All-time men’s record international goalscorer Ronaldo lined up in his usual center-forward position for the clash, two days after he parted ways with Manchester United by mutual consent Tuesday.
Ronaldo, 37, had spoken in a controversial interview last week, when he lashed out at United coach Erik ten Hag and the club itself, provoking his eventual departure.
The veteran striker will be supported by a stellar group of players led by Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Felix.
Ghana are the lowest-ranked team at the World Cup and reliant on Inaki Williams for goals.
The forward was capped once by Spain in a friendly in 2016 but changed nationality earlier this year and led the line for the Black Stars.
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey started in midfield.
Agencies