FIFA World Cup 2022: Cristiano Ronaldo’s message to goalkeeper Diogo Costa after gaffe in Portugal vs Ghana match

Portugal managed to edge past Ghana 3-2 in the FIFA World Cup 2022 Group H opener, at Stadium 974 in Qatar. Cristiano Ronaldo also became the first player to score in five different World Cups, after he converted a controversial penalty in the 65th-minute. The penalty was awarded to Portugal after Ronaldo was judged to have been tripped by defender Mohamed Salisu. Ronaldo was substituted in the second-half with Portugal leading 3-1, but a late goal from Osman Bukari led the game to a nervy finish.

Also in the closing minutes, Inaki Williams almost grabbed an equaliser for Ghana as he was behind Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa, before cunningly winning the ball back with a subtle run from behind the custodian. But lady luck was on Portugal’s side as Williams slipped after winning the ball and Portugal managed to eke out a narrow victory. After the incident, Costa looked stressed out but received support from Ronaldo.

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After the final whistle, Ronaldo rushed to Costa and comforted him. “You have to laugh, we won, did you concede a goal?”

But Costa replied, “No, but he was close.”

To which Ronaldo said, “Then? You have to laugh, we win! Another victory and we go, you can laugh, let’s go! We won.”

Other than Ronaldo’s penalty goal, Joao Felix (78′) and Rafael Leao (80′) were the other goal scorers for Portugal. Meanwhile, Andre Ayew (73′) scored the second goal for Ghana. After the win, Portugal climbed on top of Group H with three points. Meanwhile, Ghana are bottom of the table with zero points. In their upcoming Group H match, Portugal face Uruguay on November 29, followed by their final group fixture against South Korea on December 2.