After leaving Manchester United by mutual consent following his incendiary comments, Ronaldo became a free agent. He responded to his detractors by making history when he converted the opening penalty kick after being fouled by Mohammed Salisu
Andre Ayew, a seasoned striker for Ghana, equalized the score against the flow of play in the seventh minute , but Portugal quickly answered with goals from substitute Rafael Leao and Joao Felix
Portugal had to survive a tense finish as Osman Bukari headed in Ghana’s second goal, but Ronaldo, who scored his first World Cup goal as a 21-year-old back in 2006, reveled in the spotlight following a turbulent week and received a standing ovation when he was substituted.
Inaki Williams surprised Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa to steal the ball in the area in the tenth minute of stoppage time, giving Ghana a wonderful chance to tie the score. However, the forward missed his footing at the key moment, allowing Ronaldo and his teammates to hold on for the win.