Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in five World Cups as Portugal defeated Ghana in a five-goal thriller to win Group H.

Portugal took command of the game from the start. It almost turned their early possession dominance into a tangible reward, with Ronaldo being denied by Lawrence Ati-Zigi before heading wide at the far post moments later.

The ball was in the net for Ghana just after the half-hour mark thanks to a typically assured Ronaldo finish, but the Portugal captain was adjudged to have fouled Alexander Djiku as he spun on the ball, and the strike was ruled out.

Portugal toiled on into the second half. Nonetheless, they were presented with a beautiful opportunity when Ronaldo was felled by Mohammed Salisu and stepped up to score his 118th international goal from the penalty spot.

There was some disagreement about whether the challenge merited a penalty, but after making the award, the referee was not prompted by VAR to modify his decision.

Ghana reacted forcefully. Kudus pricked Diogo Costa’s hands before breaking down the left and hitting a low cross that bounced off Danilo Pereira and fell nicely for Andre Ayew to turn in from close range.

There was some disagreement about whether the challenge merited a penalty, but after making the award, the referee was not prompted by VAR to modify his decision.

Portugal toiled on into the second half. Nonetheless, they were presented with a beautiful opportunity when Ronaldo was felled by Mohammed Salisu and stepped up to score his 118th international goal from the penalty spot.

Ghana reacted forcefully. Kudus pricked Diogo Costa’s hands before breaking down the left and hitting a low cross that bounced off Danilo Pereira and fell nicely for Andre Ayew to turn in from close range.

After South Korea and Uruguay tied in their first match, Portugal now leads Group H with a 3-2 victory. Cristiano Ronaldo and his colleagues will return to the field on Monday to face Uruguay, while Ghana will face South Korea.

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