Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has refuted claims that Cristiano Ronaldo has threatened to skip the World Cup.
According to Portuguese media outlet Record, the 37-year-old attacker threatened to leave the team after learning he wouldn’t start their last-16 match against Switzerland.
The captain of Portugal reacted violently when he was replaced in the last match against South Korea.
The FPF said: “At no time did Cristiano Ronaldo threaten to leave the national team during the stay in Qatar.”
Before Portugal’s World Cup opening, Ronaldo departed Manchester United amicably following a contentious interview in which the five-time Ballon d’Or winner criticized the team.
In both of Portugal’s early matches, Ronaldo was taken off the field and coach Fernando Santos stated he “didn’t appreciate” Ronaldo’s response when he was taken off again during the 2-1 group loss to South Korea.
In place of Ronaldo, Goncalo Ramos started the match against Switzerland, and the 21-year-old scored three goals in the 6-1 victory.
“Cristiano Ronaldo builds up a unique track record every day at the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected,” added the FPF.
“The degree of dedication of the player most capped by Portugal was again demonstrated – if necessary – in the victory against Switzerland, in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup.”
Portugal face Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
Ronaldo did not train with the other substitutes after Wednesday’s game, instead taking part in a gym session alongside those that started against Switzerland.
Cristiano Ronaldo praised Portugal’s “historic” World Cup victory over Switzerland on social media.
Ronaldo, 37, came off the bench last night as the Selecao defeated the Swiss 6-1 to advance to Saturday’s quarterfinal matchup with Morocco.
After leaving Manchester United, the Portuguese superstar became a free agent, and he was the center of attention before the game.
But Goncalo Ramos, who took his spot in the starting lineup, made headlines with a hat-trick and an assist in the round-of-16 match.
Ronaldo, who had a goal disallowed for offside, said on Instagram: “Amazing day for Portugal, with a historic result in the biggest contest in world soccer.
“Luxury display by a team full of talent and youth.
“Congratulations to our national team. The dream is alive! To the very end! Come on, Portugal!”
In the final round of 16 match, Goncalo Ramos scored a sensational hat-trick to secure Portugal‘s place in the World Cup quarterfinals as Switzerland was trounced 6-1.
The 21-year-old striker for Benfica only recently made his debut for his country in November, but he took advantage of the chance presented by his unexpected call-up to score the first triple-goal haul at Qatar2022.
Morocco, who earlier in the day defeated Spain in a nail-biting penalty shootout, will be the Portuguese’s next opponent.
Spain struggled to score any of their three penalty kicks after extra time had failed to yield a goal, but Morocco scored three out of four to earn the victory.
Netherlands kicked off the knockout phase, cruising to a 3-1 victory over the United States.
Louis van Gaal’s men will face Argentina in Friday’s late game after Lionel Messi inspired the South Americans to a 2-1 win over Australia.
Olivier Giroud became France’s all-time top scorer as they overcame Poland 3-1, while England saw off Senegal 3-0 following some hairy moments in the first half to set up a clash with Les Bleus on Saturday.
Croatia booked their place in the last eight with a penalty shootout win over Japan, following a 1-1 draw.
Their reward is a quarter-final clash with Brazil, who looked majestic as they swept South Korea aside 4-1.
Qatar 2022 round of 16 results
Saturday, December 3
Netherlands 3-1 United States (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)
Argentina 2-1 Australia (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)
Sunday, December 4
France 3-1 Poland (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)
England 3-0 Senegal (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)
Monday, December 5
Japan 1-1 Croatia (Croatia won 3-1 on penalties, Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah)
Brazil 4-1 South Korea (Stadium 974, Doha)
Tuesday, December 6
Morocco 0-0 Spain (Morocco won 3-0 on penalties, Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)
Portugal 6-1 Switzerland (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)
Quarter-final draw
Friday, December 9
Croatia vs Brazil (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, 3pm, BBC)
Netherlands vs Argentina (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail,7pm, BBC)
Saturday, December 10
Morocco vs Portugal (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, 3pm, ITV1)
England vs France (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, 7pm, ITV1)
Semi-finals: Tuesday, December 13 and Wednesday, December 14
Portugal has dispatched a team of investigators and experts from the judicial police at the request of Sao Tome and Principe to participate in the investigation into the failed coup attempt in this former Portuguese colony.
This team, made up of “investigators and experts from the judicial police” as well as an “expert in forensic medicine”, was sent on Sunday following “an urgent request for help” from the authorities of Sao-Tome- Principe, says a joint statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice.
Portuguese investigators “will work directly with the judicial authorities of Sao Tome and Principe, as part of the investigation into the events of Friday”, specifies the Portuguese government.
The Lisbon decision follows the failed coup attempt in this small island country in the Gulf of Guinea that the government claims to have foiled overnight from Thursday to Friday.
Four people, arrested following these events, died, according to the army chief of staff, Olinto Paquete, who did not give more details on the unclear circumstances.
The government of this independent country since 1975 has “firmly condemned” what it describes as a “violent attempt to subvert the constitutional order”, following a council of ministers on Sunday, while assuring that “all investigations will be carried out to determine the causes and circumstances of the deaths”, in addition to the investigations to determine the responsibilities for the attempted coup.
Following several coup attempts, the last in 2003 and 2009, the parliamentary regime has asserted itself in this archipelago, considered a model of parliamentary democracy in Africa.
He has alternated several times between two parties: the Liberation Movement of Sao Tome and Principe-Social Democratic Party (MLSTP-PSD, center-left) and the Independent Democratic Action (ADI, center-right) of Mr. Trovoada.
An individual holding a rainbow flag entered the field during the Portugalvs. Uruguay World Cup match in the Lusail Stadium.
The player in issue entered the field just over five minutes into the second half and briefly stopped play.
The invader also had the slogans “Save Ukraine” and “Respect for Iranian Women” on his clothing, which also featured the Superman insignia.
Security then removed him, and Iranian referee Alireza Faghani did the same with the offending flag.
The actions of the pitch invader are the most recent act of protest at Qatar 2022, where the host country severely restricts LGBTQ+ rights.
FIFA effectively prevented European teams from wearing the OneLove armband in a display of solidarity, and Germany protested by covering their mouths before their encounter with Japan.
The event also makes mention of the continuing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the ongoing protests against women’s rights in Iran.
On December 2, Portugal and Uruguay face South Korea and Ghana in their respective final Group H matches.\
Only France, Brazil, and Portugal have already qualified for the World Cup knockout rounds, with many other teams facing a nerve-wracking penultimate matchday in their quest to advance to Qatar’s round of 16.
Favorites entering the tournament With victories over Serbia and Switzerland, Brazil easily advanced from Group G, while France became the first team to retain its global championship since the Selecao in 2006 to do so.
Portugal’s win over Uruguay on Monday in Group H ensured their place in the round of 16, but other teams like England, Spain, Germany, and Argentina still need results on matchday three to advance.
Another well-known team that hasn’t confirmed their participation in the FIFA World Cup’s latter rounds is the Netherlands, and Belgium must defeat Croatia in Group F to avoid an early elimination.
Here, we examine the potential outcomes depending on the final decision about group-stage action in the Middle East.
The Netherlands are essentially in charge of Group A and only need to avoid losing to Qatar, the group’s eliminated hosts.
If Ecuador defeats Senegal, who also needs to win, Louis van Gaal’s team will also go to the round of 16, but Aliou Cisse’s team will need Qatar to defeat the Netherlands to have any chance of competing.
Ecuador, who has performed admirably in their first two games, must defeat Senegal or draw to advance. However, if Qatar defeats the Netherlands, Gustavo Alfaro’s team may lose and not advance.
Group B
Against ferocious rivals Wales, England needs just to win or draw. However, as long as they avoid a four-goal loss against Wales, whose goal differential is six lower, the Three Lions would still advance.
Iran will automatically advance if they defeat the United States, who are aware that failure to defeat Carlos Queiroz’s team will result in their elimination from the competition.
Quieroz’s team might still finish first in Group B with a draw, but if Wales defeats Gareth Southgate’s England, goal differential would become important.
All four teams still have a chance to advance from the intriguing Group C, with Argentina—one of the pre-tournament favorites—necessitating a victory over Poland to ensure a spot in the round of 16.
The Albiceleste, though, might advance with a draw and would be eliminated in that scenario if Mexico and Saudi Arabia also shared the points.
However, Argentina will lose if Lionel Scaloni’s team is stopped and Herve Renard’s team defeats El Tri. Goal differential will decide the winner if Mexico wins and Argentina draws.
Poland would go through by avoiding defeat, but would be knocked out by a loss coupled with a Saudi Arabia victory over Mexico, who must win to have any chance of remaining in the tournament.
Goal difference will be used to divide the two teams if Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia tie and if Mexico triumphs and Czeslaw Michniewicz’s team loses.
Group D
As long as Australia doesn’t beat Denmark and France doesn’t lose to Tunisia, the French will win Group D; otherwise, the Socceroos would tie France on points with six. France is already in the round of 16 draw.
Even though a win would send Australia through, Graham Arnold’s team would still advance to the knockout round with a tie, barring Tunisia’s victory over France, which would allow Jalel Kadri’s team to advance on goal differential.
Unless Tunisia defeats France, Denmark would qualify with a victory over Australia. In that case, the difference between the Carthage Eagles and Kasper Hjulmand’s team would be determined by goal differential or goals scored.
Onto the next! France’s 2-1 win over Denmark moves them onto the round of 16.
Spain are the favourites to progress from Group E, requiring a win or draw against Japan. Defeat would see Luis Enrique’s side still go through on goal difference, unless Germany lose to Costa Rica.
Germany must pick up three points to stay in contention and would qualify as long as Spain defeat Japan, though a draw in the latter game or a win for Hajime Moriyasu’s men would see goal difference needed.
A win for Japan over Spain would take Moriyasu’s side through, while a draw – coupled with a stalemate for Germany – would also see the Samurai Blue make the knockout stage.
Costa Rica would earn a last-16 spot with victory and a point would also take them through if Spain overcome Japan. A draw in both games or a defeat for Fernando Suarez’s side sees them eliminated.
Group F
Croatia will pass through Group F if they avoid defeat against Belgium, who require victory against the 2018 runners-up to guarantee a place in the round of 16.
Such a win for Belgium would leave Croatia needing already eliminated Canada to overcome Morocco, with goal difference coming into play to separate Zlatko Dalic’s side from the Atlas Lions.
A draw is likely not enough for Belgium. They would need Morocco to lose to Canada and then rely on goal difference, though Walid Regragui’s men (+2) hold the advantage over Roberto Martinez’s side (-1) in the decisive metric.
Morocco would progress with victory over Canada, while a defeat would see Regragui’s side reliant on Belgium beating Croatia for goal difference to be decisive between Dalic’s men and the Atlas Lions for second.
Group G
Brazil have secured knockout football and will finish as Group G winners with anything other than defeat against Cameroon, who need victory against Tite’s side and results to go their way to make the last 16.
Rigobert Song’s men would be eliminated if they do not win, though victory is not guaranteed to secure progression as Switzerland could play out a high-scoring draw with Serbia to go through on goals scored, which is used if sides cannot be separated on goal difference – Cameroon are currently on -1 and Switzerland level in the latter metric.
The somewhat expected scenario of Cameroon losing to Brazil would see Serbia and Switzerland become a winner-takes-all clash.
Dragan Stojkovic’s side need victory to progress in that instance, while a draw would be enough for Switzerland. Goal difference would be required if Serbia (-2) and Cameroon (-1) both win their final encounters.
Portugal are already through and would top Group H by avoiding defeat against South Korea, who could still make a late charge for the round-of-16 stage should the result between Uruguay and Ghana go their way.
The permutations are straightforward for Uruguay and South Korea, who must win to avoid elimination, though qualification is not assured even with victory.
Both teams would be level on four points with victories, again leading to goal difference to separate. Yet, if Ghana beat Uruguay then South Korea’s result against Portugal will prove irrelevant for Paulo Bento’s side.
A draw for Ghana and a win for South Korea would also see goal difference required to split the two sides, with Bento’s men trailing the Black Stars by one in that metric, which could mean goals scored comes into it.
Moroccan-American referee, Ismail ElFath, who has been heavily criticised for awarding Portugal a “controversial” penalty in a match against Ghana has broken silence.
According to reports, Ismail ElFath said he was in the right for awarding Ronaldo a penalty, which enabled Portugal to lead the game.
He indicated that he was professional and holds nothing against Ghana. He said based on what he saw at that moment, it was a penalty.
According to the referee, he used to play soccer with Ghanaians in the US in his neighborhood, thus regrets the uproar the game has brought.
The penalty decision handed 3 points to Portugal and sent Ronaldo into the top of FIFA World Cup records ahead of Pele and Maradona.
Many pundits around the world say the referee’s penalty call was wrong while a third goal by Rafael Leao has come up strongly as a possible offside.
On Thursday night against Portugal, Andre Ayew scored Ghana’s first goal at the 2022 World Cup.
Following his goal, he was replaced by his brother Jordan Ayew.
Before Andre Ayew’s equaliser in the 73rd minute, Ronaldo’s penalty kick made the difference in the 65th minute following an easy penalty awarded by the American referee of Moroccan descent.
Osman Bukari scored Ghana’s second goal to make it 3-2.
Since joining Ghana’s senior team in 2008, Ayew has amassed more than 100 caps. He played a key role for and served as captain of the under-20 squad that won the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2009 African Youth Championship.
He has participated in two FIFA World Cups (2010 and 2014), seven Africa Cup of Nations (2008, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021), and two Olympics. He helped Ghana finish second in 2010 and 2015 and was the tournament’s leading scorer in 2017.
In 2011 Ayew was named the BBC African Footballer of the Year and Ghana Footballer of the Year.
Andre Ayew previous played for FC Lorient, West Ham, Swansea City, Fenerbahce and AC Arles-Avignon. He currently plays for Qatar Stars League club Al Sadd SC.
There was an incident, according to Portugal’s head coach Fernando Santos, thus the American referee Ismail Elfath did not need to consult the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
In their Group H opener on Thursday, Portugal overcame Ghana 3-2. Ronaldo’s controversial dive for the opening goal was controversial.
Since the American referee purchased the dive that Cristiano Ronaldo offered him without checking the VAR, the Black Stars felt tricked.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opening goal from the penalty spot, hammering in after the referee awarded a highly contentious penalty for Portugal after an apparent dive from the former Manchester United forward following a close incident with Mohammed Salisu.
The American referee immediately pointed to the spot resisting all attempts to have a second look at the incident on the video assistant referee despite protestation from the Ghanaian players.
“I think if the VAR team had felt the referee should consult the VAR, they would have prompted him. I also think Joao Felix was fouled at a point and I expected the referee to check the VAR but he didn’t. So I don’t think there was a call the VAR would have been necessary for the referee.”
The Black Stars improved in the second half as Mohammed Kudus’ shot went wide of the post after a decent build-up from midfield.
Ghana captain Andre Ayew equalized from close range as he tapped in a cross from Baba Abdul Rahman after the Portugal defense failed to deal with it.
A few minutes later, Portugal responded with two goals in two minutes to close the contest as Joao Felix converted a delightfully clipped finish and substitute Rafael Leao coolly stroked in just seconds after coming on.
With the heading to an end, Osman Bukhari headed in a late consolation for the lack of Stars and there could have been real drama in the ninth minute of stoppage time as Inaki Williams intercepted a ball from Diogo Costa but the Athletic Bilbao forward slipped at the crucial moment and a feeble shot was cleared off the line.
2022 FIFA World Cup is currently taking place in Qatar, and retired Ghanaian referee Joseph Wellington has criticized American referee Ismail Elfath’s choice to award a questionable penalty to Portugal against Ghana.
After refusing to take a second look at the VAR monitor to assess Mohammed Salisu’s challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo, the 40-year-old American of Moroccan descent found himself in the center of the controversy.
Portugal defeated the opponent 3-2.
In an interview with the media, Referee Wellington said the decision made by the American referee was unfortunate and called on authorities to have a look at it again.
He said, “It wasn’t the right decision. Refereeing today has been made easy following the introduction of VAR. So, if you are not very sure of it, just go for a consultation,” he added.
He also commended the Black Stars for their splendid performance against the Portuguese.
“The Black Stars did very well, though they were a bit nervous in the early stages of the game, they came up stronger in the game,” he said.
Ghana would take on South Korea on Monday, November 28, in their search for a qualification slot to the next stage of the competition.
There was an incident, according to Portugal’s head coach Fernando Santos, thus the American referee Ismail Elfath did not need to consult the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
In their Group H opener on Thursday, Portugal overcame Ghana 3-2. Ronaldo’s controversial dive for the opening goal was controversial.
Since the American referee purchased the dive that Cristiano Ronaldo offered him without checking the VAR, the Black Stars felt tricked.
The first goal was scored by Cristiano Ronaldo from the penalty spot after the referee gave Portugal a highly disputed penalty for what appeared to be a dive by the former Manchester United star following a tight call with Mohammed Salisu.
The American referee immediately pointed to the spot resisting all attempts to have a second look at the incident on the video assistant referee despite protestation from the Ghanaian players.
“I think if the VAR team had felt the referee should consult the VAR, they would have prompted him. I also think Joao Felix was fouled at a point and I expected the referee to check the VAR but he didn’t. So I don’t think there was a call the VAR would have been necessary for the referee.”
After a strong buildup from midfield, Mohammed Kudus’ attempt from the Black Stars in the second half missed the post.
After Portugal’s defense failed to intercept a cross from Baba Abdul Rahman, Ghana’s captain Andre Ayew scored a close-range goal to tie the score.
A few minutes later, Portugal struck back with two goals in as many minutes to end the match. Joao Felix scored on a lovely clipped finish, and replacement Rafael Leao calmly stroked in the game-winning goal just seconds after coming on.
Osman Bukhari scored a late consolation goal for the absence of Stars as the game came to a finish. However, in the ninth minute of stoppage time, Inaki Williams intercepted a pass from and prevented any genuine drama from occurring.
During Ghana’s football match with Portugal on November 24, 2022, at the FIFA World Cup Games in Qatar, former British Ambassador to Ghana, Jon Benjamin gathered some Ghanaians living in Mexico to watch the game with him.
Counting well over nine heads seated in the Ambassador’s private chambers in Mexico, where he is currently stationed, were some nationals clad in Ghanaian jerseys, beaming with smiles.
Jon, on the other hand, couldn’t hide his excitement when he took selfies featuring these Ghanaians who looked ready for the game without knowing what the outcome was going to be at the end of the game.
A caption accompanying his post on Instagram read, “Currently hosting the small resident Ghanaian community in #MexicoCity for the #PORGHA #WorldCup game.
“Tenemos de visita en casa a la comunidad ghanesa de #cdmx para ver el partido de su selección los #BlackStars ???????????????????????? de #Ghana.”
With all the enthusiasm and zeal the former ambassador started the game with, it ended quite sorrowfully when Ghana lost to Portugal at the end of the game.
Although many spirits were crushed, some Ghanaians are still optimistic about the next game.
They believe Ghana will scale through to the next stage when they play with Japan.
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu, has described the President’s visit to the Black Stars in Qatar as the best motivation offered to the players.
President Akufo Addo paid a visit to the National Football Team in Qatar ahead of their game with Portugal, which has been criticised by some Ghanaians.
But in a statement on the floor of Parliament, a day after the 3-2 defeat of the team by Portugal, the Minority Leader said the gesture by President Akufo-Addo was encouraging and showed the love of the country to the players.
“It was encouraging the president in camp with our players, that is that best motivation they could get,” Mr Haruna Iddrisu said on Friday.
Portugalbeat Ghana 3-2 in their World Cup opener, with Ronaldo netting from the spot after going down under a challenge from Mohammed Salisu.
Many viewers disagreed with the decision, thinking Salisu got the ball and that Ronaldo went down easily.
“The defender clearly plays the ball,” former Premier League referee Mike Dean said after the game adding, ‘Ronaldo then touches the back of the defender, goes down, instigated contact.
“It’s not the referee’s fault – he’s given the decision on the field of play. The VAR, in my opinion, should have got involved and invited the referee over to have a look at it.”
He added: “It’s scary, I have to say. I’m just astounded. I like to back referees all the time but you can’t support stuff like that. You can’t defend the indefensible.”
Members of Parliament have commended the Black Stars for their performance in their World Cup match against Portugal.
Even though Ghana lost 2 goals to 3, the MPs said they put up a good performance during the match.
Member of Parliament for South Tongu, Kobena Mensah Woyome, in his statement on the floor, congratulated the team for being able to hold their opponent to a 3:2 scoreline.
Former Sports Minister, Isaac Kwame Asiamah in reference to the referee awarding a penalty against Ghana, said it affected the progress of the team.
He said the officiating has come to question and he will urge the Black Stars to do more concentration on the field of play.
“Going forward, next two matches, we urge the Black Stars to know that as Azumah Nelson once said, ‘bring your mother as a referee and I’ll still beat you’ that should be their mindset and we are happy they are doing the needful, they are protesting to FIFA.”
Member of Parliament for Talensi, Benson Tongo Baba also urged the players, and technical handlers to put the defeat behind them and look forward to the matches ahead of them.
He also called on Ghanaians to continue to support the team.
“Let us see that this should be the beginning for things to change in this country that we should work together as one nation with a common destiny.” He said.
Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu said Portugal did not deserve the win.
“Mr Speaker, the right thing to do is to congratulate Portugal as winners undeservingly. They don’t deserve the victory because we were robbed of our victory by poor officiating and not just the penalty awarded in favour of Ronaldo even the second goal of Portugal by VAR is kind of offside goal if you observe it but it was not confirmed.”
He urged the team to concentrate on their match, adding that the coach did not need to make any changes during the match.
He said they are proud of the Black Stars so far.
Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said the second half was very explosive and the best so far in the tournament, adding that Ghana lost to the referee and not to Portugal.
“We lost to the referee and not to Portugal. Mr Speaker, in such instances the VAR will be resorted to. Who were the people manning the VAR system? Such that the referee was not prompted because clearly the two players went for the ball and they touched the two feet of the two players almost at the same time and there was no tangle. So how come did the referee whistle for a penalty against Black Stars and the people manning the VAR system did not prompt the referee? It wasn’t a conspiracy against Africa? Mr Speaker, the temptation to arrive at this conclusion is there for everybody.” He said
The Black Stars lost their opening Group H game 3-2 to Portugal at Stadium 974 on Thursday, November 25, 2022.
The first Portuguese goal which was a penalty has reportedly triggered a petition to FIFA to investigate the conduct of the referee.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured Black Stars players of continuous support from Ghanaians despite the 3-2 defeat to Portugal during the opening game at the ongoing 2023 World Cup in Qatar.
Nana Akufo-Addo says Ghanaians are optimistic the Black Stars will win the remaining matches to qualify to the next stage of the competition.
“I know that you are more than capable of going forward, coming out of this competition very well. Fortunately for you, I came here to express the solidarity of the people of Ghana for you and to encourage you. I know you are going to make all of us very proud”, he told the team.
Earlier in a tweet, the President praised the Black Stars for an impressive performance against Portugal.
The Black Stars were on the wrong side of a 3-2 loss on Thursday, but a strong second-half performance saw them almost snatch a draw late on.
A penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo was cancelled out by Andre Ayew’s strike.
Goals from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao appeared to have sealed the game for Portugal, but they had to endure a nerve-wracking end to the game after Osman Bukari headed in a cross for Ghana.
In a tweet after the game, Nana Akufo-Addo praised the team for their performance, which he said proved that they could compete with any side at the World Cup.
“Gutsy performance by the Black Stars in today’s match against Portugal. Very proud of the entire team,” the President said.
“They live to fight another day, & have shown they have what it takes to mix it up against any team in the tournament. Looking forward to the next game against South Korea.”
Gutsy performance by the @GhanaBlackstars in today’s match against Portugal. Very proud of the entire team. They live to fight another day, & have shown they have what it takes to mix it up against any team in the tournament. Looking forward to the next game against South Korea. pic.twitter.com/FiDWm5fO4b
In Ghana, all eyes were set on the Black Stars world Cup Opener on Thursday November, 24.
Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia and other public figures watched the group H opening thriller in Accra.
Despite a solid fight, André Ayew’s teammates lost to Cristiano Ronaldo’s squad 2-3.
Ghanaian fans were still proud in defeat.
“Our players have really done well. Just that some few lapses that made us lose the game but I hope that Insha Allah, the next match, we are going to make it,” Alhaji Said Mutaka said.
“There’s no need for us to be angry or mad at them, not at all”, Black Stars fan Jessica Selikplim insisted.
“They did well, it wasn’t easy. The game was actually tough but they did well, scoring two, they have done well, like Kudos. They’ve done well, like.”
At the Stadium 974 in Doha, All the goals came in a wild final half-hour. Ronaldo scored on a contested penalty, Ayew then equalized for Ghana.
Joao Felix regained the lead for Portugal, and Rafael Leao added a third. Osman Bukari reduced Ghana’s deficit in the 89th.
Ghana will play South Korea on Monday and will count on its fans.
Coach Otto Addo said the Black stars proved Thursday they could “compete with the opponent”.
For now, they sit at the bottom of group H. The group comprises of Ghana, Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay.
Former President Mahama is full of applause for the senior national team, the Black Stars, after last night’s opening game against Portugal.
The team in a dramatic manner lost painfully to Portugal while demonstrating resilience and tenacity.
The former President in a Citi News interview observed the talent of the team and appealed to Ghanaians to stand behind it.
“The players played very well and very confidently. The boys have talents. So this is the Black Stars for now and the future, so let’s give them all our support, and I am sure they will go far.”
A two-minute collapse in the second half by Ghana’s Black Stars helped Portugal pick up a 3-2 win in their Group H clash.
Andre Ayew’s 73rd-minute goal cancelled out Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty and appeared to have given the Stars a new lease of life.
However, goals from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao in the 78th and 80th minutes put Portugal back in control.
Osman Bukari headed home a second for the Black Stars, but the Portuguese held on, despite nine added minutes, to pick up all three points.
The defeat would have been hard for Otto Addo’s men, who stifled Portugal for much of the first half and the beginning of the second.
Ghana even looked more dangerous than they had in the first half, as Kudus flashed a shot just wide after a surging run.
It was Portugal, however, who broke the deadlock with a controversial penalty.
Mohammed Salisu was adjudged to have taken down Cristiano Ronaldo in the box by the referee, who stuck to his guns despite the protests from the Ghanaians.
Ronaldo stepped up and fired home clinically to put Portugal ahead.
The lead lasted only five minutes as Kudus Mohammed, who had troubled the Portuguese with his speed and skill all game flashed in a cross from the left which was tapped home by Andre Ayew.
Disaster struck moments later when Baba Rahman failed to deal with a through pass. Joao Felix pounced on the loose ball and finished beautifully.
Substitute Rafael Leao rushed through on goal and slid the ball past Lawrence Ati Zigi.
Ghana looked down and out but were handed some hope when Osman Bukari headed home Baba Rahman’s cross.
Nine minutes of injury time flew by as the Stars searched for an equaliser and they almost found it when Inaki Williams snuck in behind Diogo Costa to steal the ball but slipped at the crucial moment.
The win takes Portugal top of the group but the 0-0 draw between South Korea and Uruguay earlier in the day means today’s loss might not prove to be too costly for the Black Stars.
“I have seen some new players in there who played some fantastic football so we have some great potential in there. Otto Addo is a good coach so I think we should give him some space to able to blend the team. So far so good”, Mr. Mahama added.
Ghanaian player Osman Bukari has defended his imitation of Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘Siuuu’ celebrations after scoring a late consolation in the team’s 2-3 loss to Portugal.
It follows concerns on social media that the celebration was disrespectful towards Ronaldo – who usually celebrates his goals by jumping up while rotating in mid-air and lands shouting “siuuu”.
I have noticed my celebration today has generated comments claiming I was disrespectful towards Ronaldo
This is incorrect. I was overcome by the emotion of the moment of scoring for my country on my World Cup debut leading to my celebration.
Pele, Uwe Seeler and Miroslav Klose have all netted at four World Cups but Ronaldo is now out in front in that regard after scoring at a fifth finals.
Here, Stats Perform looks at each of Ronaldo’s previous seven goals on the biggest stage of them all, three of which came in one game.
Portugal 2-0 Iran (Frankfurt, 2006)
Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot for the first of his World Cup goals against Iran in 2006, making him Portugal’s youngest ever scorer in the competition at 21 years and 132 days, a record that stands to this day. Despite Portugal finishing third that year, a teenage Ronaldo did not add to his goals tally.
The Selecao put seven goals past North Korea, with Ronaldo scoring the sixth of those to end a two-year wait for an international goal. Portugal failed to find the net in any of their other three matches in South Africa and were eliminated by Spain in the last 16.
Portugal 2-1 Ghana (Brasilia, 2014)
Ronaldo scored a late winner in Portugal’s final group match against Ghana — a simple finish following some poor defending — but it was not enough to prevent his side from exiting Brazil 2014 in the first round behind the United States and tournament winners Germany.
Entering the tournament as the world’s best player, Ronaldo lived up to his billing by scoring a hat-trick in what will go down as one of the all-time great individual World Cup performances.
After opening the scoring from the penalty spot, the superstar forward beat David de Gea with a shot from outside the box and then scored a late free-kick to rescue a point in a topsy-turvy thriller.
Portugal 1-0 Morocco (Moscow, 2018)
Ronaldo was not finished there, either, as he made it four goals for the tournament with an unstoppable header inside four minutes against Morocco, with that proving to be the winner.
However, his goalscoring touch eluded him in the knockout rounds as he fired a blank in the 2-1 loss to Uruguay in the last 16.
Ghana has just concluded its first game in the ongoing FIFA World Cup happening in Qatar.
The game between Ghana and Portugal saw the Cristiano Ronaldo side win controversially with a 3-2 result but that has not taken much away from Ghanaian fans, many of whom have poured out online to express their excitement about the output of the boys.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who was also in Qatar to offer support to the boys, tweeted after the game that he was very proud of the team, looking forward to their next games.
“Gutsy performance by the @GhanaBlackStars in today’s match against Portugal. Very proud of the entire team. They live to fight another day, & have shown they have what it takes to mix it up against any team in the tournament. Looking forward to the next game against South Korea,” he tweeted.
Just as all these celebrations have been going on, a 2014 tweet from Nana Akufo-Addo, who was at the time still trying to become president, has popped up online.
In the tweet, he lamented a number of things that were going wrong in the country at the time.
One of such things he listed in his tweet was the fact that Ghana was yet to get any game-win in the World Cup that was taking place in Brazil.
“No water, no electricity, no petrol, no money, no jobs, no mercy, no World Cup victory! #Ghana,” his tweet, dated July 7, 2014, said.
Ghana is currently going through one of its toughest economic times in history, with nearly every sector of the economy struggling.
See the 2014 tweet by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo below:
4. No water, no electricity, no petrol, no money, no jobs, no mercy, no World Cup victory! #Ghana
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has admitted his side are under pressure to qualify from Group H after losing 3-2 to Portugal in their 2022 World Cup opener on Thursday.
Black Stars began their campaign on a wrong note, losing narrowly to Fernando Santos’ side.
After the goalless first half, CristianoRonaldo opened the scoring for Portugal via the penalty spot but Ghana equalised through skipper Andre Ayew from close range.
Portugal responded with two goals in two minutes to seal the points, Joao Felix converting a delightfully clipped finish and substitute Rafael Leao coolly stroking in just seconds after coming on.
Osman Bukari headed in a late consolation for Ghana and there could have been real drama in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
“First of all, surely, we have a chance especially because they played a draw so if we win against South Korea and Portugal win hopefully against Uruguay then we will be second so the chance is still big,” coach Addo said after the game.
“And surely it will be very, very tough to beat South Korea because they are good. But now we have to win. We are under pressure but they too.”
The defeat means Black Stars are bottom of Group H after Uruguay and South Korea played out a goalless draw earlier on Thursday.
The Black Stars will now switch their attention to their attention to the match against South Korea on Monday before taking on Uruguay on December 2 at the Education City stadium.
Portugal edged Ghana for a 3-2 win at Stadium 974 on Thursday evening in the Black Stars’ 2022 World Cup opener as VAR was missing in action.
Cristiano Ronaldo converted a controversial penalty to give the Portuguese the lead just after the hour mark before Andre Ayew levelled for Ghana.
There was late drama as the European nation scored two-in-two minutes for a 3-1 lead. Substitute Osman Bukari headed in brilliantly late on to end the game 3-2.
The Black Stars became the first African team to score a goal at this year’s tournament.
Portugal leads Group H with three points after the win, with Ghana bottom. Uruguay and South Korea have a point each after drawing goalless earlier.
The Black Stars will next play South Korea on November 28 while Portugal faces Uruguay on the same day.
Cristiano Ronaldo got the first sight at goal but Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was very proactive to run out of his line and put the ball to safety in 10 minutes.
The A Selecao restricted the Black Stars to their own half in the first 20 minutes, playing 76% of the ball while Ghana has only 24% of possession.
At the half hour mark, Ronaldo drilled the ball into Ghana’s net but he fouled Alexander Djiku in the process.
The Black Stars’ plan to catch Portugal on the counter wasn’t working as the midfield could not spot Inaki Williams, with the Euro 2016 champions getting 5 attempts, one on target against Ghana’s zero.
A half completed dominated by the two-time semifinalists ended in a goalless draw.
Ghana finally came out of their own half to play as Mohammed Kudus made a marvellous solo run to hit a great shot that missed the target narrowly 10 minutes into the second half.
Portugal was awarded a soft penalty that was not checked by the VAR after a least touch from Mohammed Salisu. The protestations of the Ghanaian players were ignored by the USA referee Elfath.
Ronaldo made no mistake from the spot as he converted brilliantly to break the deadlock in the 64th minute to make World Cup history. He became the first player to score in five consecutive tournaments.
Ghana pulled the equalizer through Andre Ayew, who latched onto a Kudus cutback in the 73rd minute.
Portugal caught Ghana’s backline sleeping on the break as Joao Felix picked a Baba Rahman missed ball to convert from the right side of the box in the 78th minute.
The same situation repeated itself two minutes later. This time on the right side, with substitute Raphael Leao converting from the left post.
With a minute to the end of the 90, Osman Bukari cut Portugal’s lead to one after heading in a Baba Rahman cross from the left.
Portugal held on to for the victory to ward off Ghana’s late pressure for an equalizer.
Ghana coach Otto Addo fumed at the decision to award Portugal a penaltyin their thrilling win over the Black Stars on Thursday, declaring: “I don’t know if the VAR wasn’t paying attention”.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to net at five editions of the World Cup when he opened the scoring from the spot at Stadium 974, as Portugal eventually ran out 3-2 winners.
Ghana, however, were incensed by referee Ismail Elfath’s decision to award the spot-kick, believing Mohammed Salisu won the ball with his challenge on the five-time Ballon d’Or-winner.
Asked whether Ronaldo benefitted from a favourable decision, Addo said: “I think you’d have to ask the referee. I have no proof of that, but we were playing the ball, then there was a contact.
5 – Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player to score five in different editions of the World Cup (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022). Limitless. pic.twitter.com/w6noDKxoVR
“If I look at that moment, it’s incredible. If you look at a replay, we played the ball. It was actually a foul against us.
“The game was hectic, we made a few mistakes to allow the second and third goals, opening the lines for them to pass it. It was a little bit unlucky.
“With a bit of luck, we could have got one point. The referee was not in our favour. In my view, our yellow cards were deserved, but for me, holding jerseys is also a yellow card. I don’t know what was wrong, but he was really not in our favour.
“I asked some people from FIFA if I could talk briefly to the referee in a calm and quiet way, but they said he is in a meeting and it’s not possible.
“I think they have match analysis, so it’s the truth, but surely you can have some minutes for the coach.”
Ghana full-back Tariq Lamptey was also asked about the decision, responding: “I think you saw it. You can give your opinion.”
The African nation have now lost their opening match on three of their four participations at the World Cup (W1), but Lamptey believes there were plenty of positives to take.
“Obviously, I would have liked to get the win,” Lamptey said. “They have a lot of world-class players in their team, but we felt like we could have got the result we deserved, and we were so close to getting that.
“We know we played well, but it’s a difficult one as we know we could have got something. We’ll put that energy into our next game and give it our best.”
4 – Portugal 3-2 Ghana was just the fourth #FIFAWorldCup match to see as many as five goals having been 0-0 at half-time, after:
Poland 5-1 Peru (1982)
Netherlands 2-3 Brazil (1994)
Belgium 3-2 Japan (2018)
Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo has praised the national team’s “gutsy performance” in their World Cup opener against Portugal which ended in a 2-3 loss.
The Black Stars became the first African team to score a goal at this year’s tournament, but lie at the bottom of Group H. They will next play South Korea on November 28.
Gutsy performance by the @GhanaBlackstars in today’s match against Portugal. Very proud of the entire team. They live to fight another day, & have shown they have what it takes to mix it up against any team in the tournament. Looking forward to the next game against South Korea. pic.twitter.com/FiDWm5fO4b
Black Stars first group game at the 2022 World Cup ended in defeat on Thursday afternoon. The game at the Stadium 974 ended 3-2 after a fightback from Ghana.
The Black Stars of Ghana in the first half battled the Portuguese in all departments. After halftime, the entire encounter changed as both sides went for goal.
The Portuguese were the first to score through a dubious penalty given by the referee. Former Manchester United attacker Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the spot.
Ghana scored in the 72nd through skipper Andre Ayew. Rafael Leao and Joao Felix added the two goals for Portugal then winger Osman Bukari netted Ghana’s second goal.
Bilbao attacker Inaki Williams got a late opportunity to equalize for Ghana but slipped when he was about to shoot.
The Black Stars will now focus on beating South Korea and Uruguay.
To be honest Ronaldo hasn’t been actually that bad. He just just need to work on his passing, shooting, movement, ball retention, dribbling, crossing, decision-making, set pieces, man-marking, ball control, tackling, shooting & few others things.
Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus are set to named in Ghana’s starting XI to face Portugal in their 2022 World Cup opener today.
The duo missed Black Stars’ friendly win over Switzerland for various reasons, however, they are expected to named in coach Otto Addo’s line-up.
Kudus has been in fine form for Ajax this season, primarily playing as a false nine. He has scored 10 goals and provided two assists in 21 appearances.
Partey on the other hand, has been a key cog of Mikel Arteta’s side this season, making 15 appearances and scoring two goals in the process.
Black Stars will begin their campaign against Portugal on Thursday before taking on South Korea and Uruguay in the other Group H matches.
Ghana are making a record 4th World Cup appearance in Qatar having previously played in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 in Germany, South Africa and Brazil respectively.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup takes place between November 20 and December 18, 2022.
Only three sides from the continent have ever progressed to the quarter-finals; Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010.
Ghana will be hoping to progress from the group stage at this year’s tournament.
Black Stars exited the group stage at the 2014 edition in Brazil after a slow start to the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo could set a new World Cup record if he finds the net for Portugal in their opening Group H clash with Ghana on Thursday.
Currently part of an exclusive club of four men to score at four finals, Ronaldo could stand alone as the only player to net at five consecutive events with a goal in the Middle East.
A win in the most famous competition of all is the only jewel missing from the attacking star’s crown and his Portuguese side begin their quest for a first global title against the Black Stars.
Ghana ran to the brink of the last four in 2010 before an agonising penalty shoot-out defeat to Uruguay sent them home. However, the African Outfit have failed to reach those heights since, falling in the group stage in 2014 and missing out on qualification in 2018.
Team news
While Renato Sanches and Diogo Jota both missed out on Fernando Santos’s 26-man final squad through injury, the Portugal boss still has a plethora of famous faces under his wing in Qatar.
Joining Ronaldo among the ranks are Joao Cancelo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leao, to name just four.
Ronaldo missed the friendly win over Nigeria on Thursday with gastroenteritis but was back in training by Saturday and is expected to take centre stage as Portugal open their campaign.
Ghana boss Otto Addo can call on Athletic Bilbao’s Inaki Williams and Mohammed Kudus of Ajax in attack, along with Premier League names such as Daniel Amartey, Tariq Lamptey, Jordan Ayew and Mohammed Salisu.
Stats
Otto Addo’s Ghana are the lowest-ranked team at the World Cup
The two sides met in Group G at World Cup 2014, with Portugal running out 2-1 winners. In their quest for revenge, Ghana can take some solace from the fact that their opponents on Thursday have lost two of their last four fixtures.
They suffered 1-0 defeats against both Spain and Switzerland in the Nations League, as Santos’s men fell to second place.
Ronaldo and his teammates also had to struggle through a qualification playoff, having been pipped to automatic progression by Serbia. But since, Portugal have won six out of their nine matches and they come up against a Ghana outfit who have won just three of their last six matches.
The Ghanaians are ranked 61st in the world, making them the lowest-ranked nation in Qatar.
Prediction
While perhaps not considered to be in the same bracket as favourites Brazil, Portugal are regarded as a strong shout for a slot in the latter knockout stages and are not envisaged to struggle overly in the group phase against Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea.
A price of 3/4 is available with LiveScore Bet for a Portugal win to nil against the Black Stars, who face a battle to mirror the exploits of 2010 and progress from the round-robin phase.
With his Manchester United departure now confirmed, Ronaldo can welcome in the new year by looking toward the future and laying claim to an individual World Cup goalscoring record would begin this new chapter in style.
The Portugal icon can be backed at 6/5 with LiveScore Bet to score at anytime.
Portugal defender Ruben Dias has heaped praise on Ghana ahead of their 2022 World Cup opener on Thursday, claiming they are physically a strong team.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s falling out with Manchester United has dominated the build-up to the game which will be played at Doha’s Stadium 974 on Thursday.
Fernando Santos’ side will also face Uruguay and South Korea in the other Group H games as they look to qualify for the round of 16.
“Ghana are physically a strong team, technically as well. They have footballers who are playing at the top level in Europe,” Dias said in a press conference on Tuesday.
Ghana are making a record 4th World Cupappearance in Qatar having previously played in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 in Germany, South Africa and Brazil respectively.
Black Stars will be hoping to progress from the group stage at this year’s tournament.
The West African country exited the group stage at the 2014 edition in Brazil after a slow start to the tournament.
Black Stars have been drawn in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.
After playing Portugal in their first game at Stadium 974 (Rass Abou Aboud) on Thursday, they will take on South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.
Aside from taking care of the Ghana economy, he knows how to handle a ball pretty well, especially for man of his age.
The 59-year-old statesman decided to motivate the senior national team, Black Stars, ahead of their opener against Portugal on Thursday, November 24.
“The moment has come for the Black Stars to take on the world. We have a group of talented players who have been selected and they cannot be intimidated by anyone. I want to urge the Black Stars to play their hearts out for mother Ghana. We can stand the world; we have done it before and we can do it once again. They should go out and emulate the historic deeds of their predecessors. God bless you all, we can do it. Go Ghana go, go black stars go,” Dr Bawumia said.
England-based Ghana goalkeeper, Joseph Wollacott safely arrived in Doha, Qatar to join his Black Stars teammates ahead of the game against Portugal on Thursday.
It can be recalled that your most trusted online portal on Monday reported that the Charlton Athletic shot-stopper will be in Qatar for the mundial although he will not feature in any of the matches.
The goalkeeper suffered a finger injury days before Ghana opened camp for the World Cup and hence has been ruled out of the tournament.
His injury came just hours after his rival for the number one jersey in the Ghana side, Richard Ofori, had been ruled out with a knee problem, leaving the Black Stars with a goalkeeping crisis.
St Gallen shot-stopper Lawrence Ati-Zigi is expected to be Ghana’s No.1 at the tournament and was in post during the 2-0 friendly win over in Switzerland last Thursday.
The Ghana FA has made arrangements for him to be part of the squad at the ongoing tournament. He will be with the Black Stars to motivate the team, especially the goalkeepers who are in camp to do the job he would have done if not for his injury.
Ghana is one of five African countries representing the African continent at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Black Stars are set to compete in Group H of the group stages of the tournament. In that group, Ghana will battle it out with two-time champions Uruguay, as well as European giants Portugal.
The other group’s opponent is South Korea from Asia.
With the 2022 FIFA World Cup already starting on Sunday, November 20, Ghana’s Black Stars will play their first match on November 24.
Subsequently, Ghana will take on South Korea on November 28 before finishing the group stages campaign with a rematch against Uruguay.
Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has described their opening 2022 World Cup group game against Ghana as the ‘most difficult’ in the competition.
Speaking about Portugal’s chances of winning the World Cup, the 37-year-old noted that the team must focus their attention on winning their first game against Ghana, which he described as the ‘most difficult.
“I believe our national team has tremendous potential to win the World Cup. We will see. I believe we can. I have that hope, that belief, ” the Manchester United forward said.
“But like these competitions always teach us; we must think calmly. We must think and focus on the first group game. We must think about the Ghana game which is the most difficult one.
“We must start well, gain some confidence and we will go from there,” he said.
The European side will come up against the West African country on Thursday, November 24, 2022, at Stadium 974 in Doha.
Ghana will also play against South Korea and Uruguay in the group.
The Black Stars who are making their fourth appearance at the Mundial will hope to perform after exiting the group phase in Brazil in 2014.
Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum is defiant about the Black Stars chances ahead of the Portugal clash.
The Black Stars who are returning to the global showpiece after missing out in Russia 2018 has been housed in Group H against Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.
On Thursday, Ghana will open their campaign with a clash against former European champions Portugal before taking on South Korea and Uruguay in subsequent games.
Giving update ahead of the Portugal encounter, the Ghana FA spokesman expressed that the Black Stars has got competent players enough to match their Portuguese counterparts.
“People keep talking about Portugal but one simple I give them is that, they may have the stars but we have a team, capable and competent players to match them” he said.
The Black Stars having missed out in the last edition hosted in Russia in 2018 will be hoping to improve their performance in Qatar after exiting the group phase during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Only three sides from the continent have ever progressed to the quarter-finals; Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010.
Ghanawill be hoping to progress from the group stage at this year’s tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo hopes he can be the man to “checkmate” Lionel Messi at Qatar 2022, but he does not believe a World Cup win for Portugal would end football’s ‘GOAT’ debate.
Ronaldo and Messi are the sport’s two modern greats, with supporters of each player claiming them to be the best of all time.
However, despite European Championship success for Portugal and last year’s Argentina triumph in the Copa America, neither have won the greatest team prize of all.
Ronaldo has endured a difficult season at Manchester United, yet he has arrived in Qatar in confident mood, even if he does not believe he has anything to prove.
“Even if I won the World Cup, there would be this debate,” he said on Monday. “It’s like in everything, there are some who like blondes more, others more brunettes…
“I’m an ambitious player; I’d love to win this competition, but if I don’t win, I’d still be happy with everything I’ve done so far.
“If they told me that I won’t win a title again, I’d be proud of what I’ve done.
“[Winning the World Cup] was a dream for me; it’s possible, but we’ll see. I hope all energies are on our side.”
Boas energias, boas sensações, o mesmo empenho e a mesma concentração de que colocamos em cada desafio. Foco! Vontade! Crença! Seja onde for, Portugal, sempre!🇵🇹🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/tWgeKBRG3J
Ronaldo and Messi are long-time rivals, but they posed together for a game of chess in a Louis Vuitton advertising campaign ahead of the finals.
Were Portugal and Argentina each to win their groups, the pair would not meet on the pitch until the December 18 final.
“It was a campaign that I’ve been doing, which I’ve wanted for many years,” Ronaldo said of the ad. “I’ve fulfilled the dream of being able to do it; everyone knows the greatness of the brand.
“It will be my fifth World Cup. I’m focused and extremely optimistic that things will go well.
“Checkmate we do in life, it’s not just in chess. And I do it often.
“I don’t know how to be direct about it, but I’d like to be the one to do the checkmate against him [Messi]. It would be beautiful to happen; it already happened in a chess game and in football it would be even more [beautiful].”
Ronaldo and Messi have met only twice at international level, with Portugal and Argentina winning one friendly apiece.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be “phenomenal” at the World Cup as long as Portugal meet expectations as a collective, according to his team-mate Ruben Neves.
Ronaldo has been at the centre of a media storm over the past week after he took part in an astonishing interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan.
During the one-on-one, Ronaldo was largely scathing of Manchester United, criticising the board, young players and manager, Erik ten Hag.
United confirmed on Thursday they have dealt with the matter, though they did not disclose what punishment had been handed out to Ronaldo.
He was then reported as being ill when absent for Portugal’s pre-World Cup friendly with Nigeria on Thursday, but he returned to training two days later.
Despite the hysteria surrounding the 37-year-old, Neves insists Portugal – and Ronaldo – are looking good ahead of their World Cup opener against Ghana on Thursday.
“From what I’ve seen in training, he’s in great shape,” Neves told reporters at Portugal’s training base.
“[Ronaldo’s interview] is not at all a subject that concerns us. We know perfectly well that our collective must work very well to highlight individuals.
Jogo a jogo com um único pensamento. 𝗩𝗔𝗠𝗢𝗦 𝗟𝗨𝗧𝗔𝗥 𝗣𝗘𝗟𝗢 𝟭.º 𝗟𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗥 ✨🏆 #VesteABandeira
“And With Cristiano it’s no different. If we’re good, we know that Cristiano is going to be phenomenal.”
After Ronaldo joined up with the Portugal squad in the wake of his controversial interview, a video of him greeting his United colleague Bruno Fernandes was perceived to depict some hostility from the latter.
The clip turned out to be from a longer video published by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), with Fernandes adamant they were sharing a joke that had been misconstrued.
Neves supported this claim, dismissing the idea of controversy entering the dressing room.
“There is no controversy in the locker room,” he continued. “It is impossible for us to discuss these controversies since they do not exist in the locker room.
“These are more controversies outside and on social media rather than in the locker room.
“Everything has been said. We are 100 per cent focused on the World Cup. We have a great atmosphere in the team, we are concentrating on that.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s criticism of young players is understandable, according to his Manchester United team-mate Anthony Elanga, who has defended the forward following his comments.
Ronaldo has endured a torrid season after reportedly asking to leave United in the last transfer window, and his future is in doubt once again following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
As well as claiming senior figures at Old Trafford have “betrayed” him and admitting he has no respect for head coach Erik ten Hag, Ronaldo said the club’s young players “don’t care”.
Asked about Ronaldo’s comments by Swedish publication Aftonbladet, Elanga said: “Cristiano talks about young players in general.
“We are a new generation. I am always 100 per cent focused on what I am doing, but I can understand what he is saying.
“There are a lot of phones and a lot of technology. It’s quite easy for young players to get distracted and lose focus. Young players at United are listening, but I can understand what he is saying.”
Elanga also maintains that Ronaldo has been a positive influence on his development since the five-time Ballon d’Or winner returned to United last August.
“He has helped me a lot not only on the pitch, but off it as well,” Elanga said. “He is an inspiration, not only to me but to all the young players at United. Sometimes it’s just me and him at the gym.
“When I’m with him, he hasn’t changed. He is still Cristiano Ronaldo to me. He has helped me a lot.”
The strike over rising living costs comes just a week before the final vote on the 2023 budget.
Thousands of doctors, nurses, teachers, and civil servants in Portugal have staged a walkout to demand wage increases amid rampant inflation, putting the majority Socialist government on the defensive just a week before a final vote on the 2023 budget.
Many schools and courts were closed on Friday across the country, hospital appointments and surgeries were cancelled, and garbage was left uncollected.
Because of high energy prices and rising living costs, many European countries are experiencing labour unrest.
The one-day strike was called by the Common Front of the Public Administration Union, which represents nearly half of Portugal’s 730,000 civil servants.
“This year all workers have already lost one month’s salary due to inflation,” union coordinator Sebastiao Santana told reporters. “We are getting poorer.”
“We are not on strike because we like to lose a day’s wage, we are on strike because the government has not responded to the issues we presented, mainly the need to compensate for high cost of living due to inflation,” Santana said.
The union is demanding a 10-percent salary increase, and a minimum of 100 euros ($103.67) a month for 2023, while the government has proposed an average pay rise of 3.6 percent. The government is forecasting inflation of 4 percent next year.
In October, the government, key business associations and the country’s second-largest labour union GUT struck a deal to raise the wages of private sector workers by 5.1 percent in 2023.
Workers at Volkswagen’s Autoeuropa car plant entered their second day of a partial strikedemanding an extraordinary pay rise. The strike at one of Portugal’s top exporters affects the first two hours of each of its four shifts.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains optimistic about Portugal’s chances at the World Cup in Qatar, who he thinks will host a “good tournament” despite ongoing human rights concerns.
Portugal captain Ronaldo missed Fernando Santos’ side cruise past Nigeria 4-0 in their final warm-up game on Thursday before FIFA’s global tournament.
Coach Santos cited illness issues for the 37-year-old amid the furore of his scathing interview on Manchester United with Piers Morgan on TalkTV.
While the former Real Madrid forward hit out at United, their staff and directors, Ronaldo suggested Portugal have a chance at the World Cup, where they face Ghana in their Group H opener next Thursday.
“I am very optimistic. We have a fantastic coach, we have a good generation of football players,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said.
“I’m looking forward to it, we’re going to an amazing World Cup… [It’s] going to be tough. Extremely difficult. But everything is possible, of course we’re going to compete.”
After labelling a host of pre-tournament favourites, such as Argentina, Spain and Brazil, Ronaldo said he would retire immediately if Portugal won the tournament.
The United forward believes England also have a “chance” in Qatar, who came under widespread scrutiny for their human rights treatment after being awarded hosting rights by FIFA.
Captains of 10 European sides will wear heart-adorned armbands, raising awareness for the OneLove campaign against discrimination in a country where same-sex relationships are prohibited.
FIFA has repeatedly called for nations to focus on football, much to the disappointment of many supporters and countries, though Ronaldo feels Qatar will prove a capable host.
“All the national teams, the people will be welcomed in Qatar, and I see a good tournament to be honest,” he added.
“I think Qatar; they are prepared. They are prepared for that [the backlash].
“It will be weird to play at the beginning of the season. But in the same way, it is a challenge. I think it’s good. I feel good and with good energy.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he would be happy to see Arsenal win the Premier League, if Manchester United cannot become champions.
The Portugal star has caught the headlines with an explosive interview aired this week, where he criticised his employers, current manager Erik ten Hag and his former team-mates Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville.
His comments have led to a growing expectation that a swift departure from Old Trafford is on the cards after the World Cup in Qatar when the January transfer window opens for business – and his admission on the Premier League title race will cause a further stir.
United have struggled for stability in the Premier League this season, while Arsenal have lost just once – at Old Trafford – as they look for a first top-flight crown since going unbeaten in the 2004-05 season.
If that were to happen, Ronaldo has conceded he would be happy with the outcome.
“I hope so. Manchester United first, if not, Arsenal. It’s a team I like to see play,” he told Piers Morgan’s Uncensored on TalkTV.
“I like the team, I like the coach. I think they have a good team and if Manchester United don’t win the Premier League, then I will be happy if Arsenal do.”
Arsenal hold a five-point advantage over Manchester City after 14 rounds of Premier League action, with United 11 points adrift of the Gunners.
That was my all-time favourite interview. A sporting icon baring his soul as never before & doing it with such raw honesty & passion, knowing it would attract a lot of heat but believing it was time to speak out. Thanks @Cristiano – you’re a class act, on & off the pitch. pic.twitter.com/4hwTzk7Lhj
Cristiano Ronaldo will not be able to play in Portugal’s World Cup warm-up game against Nigeria on Thursday, according to head coach Fernando Santos.
Speaking at a press conference, Santos said: “Ronaldo has gastritis and did not train today in order to recover and rest.
“It’s a condition that doesn’t help much as it affects the players a lot, they lose a lot of liquid, they weaken. He won’t be ready for tomorrow, for sure.”
The Portugal boss also dismissed concerns about Ronaldo’s interview with Piers Morgan in which he criticised his club, Manchester United.
“[Ronaldo] didn’t have to inform us about the interview. Isn’t he free [to make his decisions]?
“What I’m interested in is what is being spoken about in our camp and not what is being said outside. We have to respect his decision.
“We have to respect the interview he gave. It has nothing to do with the national team,” he said.
Portugal begin their World Cup campaign against Ghana on November 24, before also taking on Uruguay and South Korea in Group H.
Cristiano Ronaldo says the death of his baby son was “the most difficult moment I had in my life.”
As part of a wide-ranging interview with Piers Morgan for TalkTV, which will be released in full on Wednesday, Ronaldo has hit out at Manchester United and criticised his manager Erik ten Hag, among others.
In a further snippet of the interview released on Tuesday, Ronaldo spoke of the tragic moment in April when he and his partner Georgina Rodriguez lost their son during childbirth.
“It was probably the worst moment that I passed through in my life since my father died,” Ronaldo said.
“When you have a kid you expect that everything will be normal, and you have that problem, it’s hard. As a human being, me and Georgina had quite difficult moments because we didn’t understand why it happened to us.
“It was difficult, to be honest, it was very difficult to understand what is going on in that period of our life.
“As you know, the football carries on, it’s so fast, there are so many competitions… and passing through that is probably the most difficult moment that I had in my life, for me and my family, especially Geo. That was tough.”
Rodriguez gave birth to a baby girl, who is about to turn seven months old, and Portugal captain Ronaldo – who is currently preparing for the World Cup in Qatar – says he did not know how to react at the time.
“I tried to explain to my family and close friends: ‘I never felt to be so happy and sad in the same moment’,” he added. “It’s hard to explain, so difficult. You don’t know if you [should] cry or smile, because it’s something [where] you don’t know how to react.
Black Stars players are reportedly set to be paid in Ghana cedis and not dollars at this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The players, according to reports, have been told to give their cedis bank account details to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for the payment of their appearance fees.
Each player will receive $100,000 as an appearance fee at the World Cup in Qatar, hence every player will earn ₵1,470,000.00 and their per diem which is $500 will also be ₵7,350.00.
Black Stars, who are the lowest-ranked team at the tournament have been drawn in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.
Ghana will take on Portugal in their first game on November 24 before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.
Black Stars held their first training session on Tuesday evening in Abu Dhabi ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 finals.
25 players were put through their paces by coach Otto Addo including Alexander Djiku and Kamal Deen Sulemana who arrived earlier on Tuesday to join the rest of the team.
The players include, Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew, Danlad Ibrahim, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Nurudeen Abdul Manaf, Mohammed Salisu, Daniel Amartey, Denis Odoi, Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu, Salis Abdul Samed, Elisha Owusu, Kamal Sowah, Antoine Semenyo, Tariq Lamptey, Osman Bukari, Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Daniel Barnieh Afriyie, Mohammed Kudus, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Alexander Djiku and Kamal Deen Sulemana.
The team will stay in the capital of the United Arab Emirates for four days where they will play an International friendly against Switzerland at the Baniyas club stadium on Thursday, November 17, 2022.
Ghana secured a 4th FIFA World Cup tournament having participated in 2006, 2010, and 2014 in Germany, South Africa, and Brazil after drawing 1-1 against Nigeria in the return leg of the final play-offs at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja to seal qualification on the away goals rule.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup takes place between November 20 and December 18, 2022.
Only three sides from the continent have ever progressed to the quarter-finals; Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010.
Ghana will be hoping to progress from the group stage at this year’s tournament.
Ronaldo, 37, promised in August he would give his version of life at Old Trafford after failing to secure a move to a club playing in the Champions League, as he had hoped.
He has now spoken out in an interview with Piers Morgan for TalkTV.
United have been asked for a response to the Portugal international’s claims.
In extracts from the wide-ranging interview – published in the Sun, Ronaldo said:
People at the club were trying to force him out.
There had been “no evolution” at the club since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, and the Scot agreed United were “not on the path they deserve to be”.
The club showed a lack of “empathy” when his young daughter was hospitalised in July.
He had “never heard” of previous manager Ralf Rangnick.
He did not know why former team-mate Wayne Rooney criticised him, adding: “Probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing”.
The interview will be shown over two nights on Wednesday and Thursday.
Asked by Morgan if United’s hierarchy were trying to force him out, Ronaldo said: “Yes, not only the coach, but another two or three guys around the club. I felt betrayed.”
Pushed as to whether senior club executives were trying to oust him, he added: “People should listen to the truth. Yes, I felt betrayed and I felt like some people don’t want me here, not only this year but last year too.”
The Red Devils, who beat Fulham 2-1 on Sunday, are fifth in the Premier League in Ten Hag’s first season as manager.
He was dropped for the Premier League game at Chelsea last month by Ten Hag after refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham three days earlier.
“I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me,” Ronaldo said. “If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you.”
Ronaldo also spoke about the loss of his baby son in April and how touched he was by a tribute paid to him by Liverpool fans at a game against United at Anfield in the days afterwards.
The whole interview is 90 minutes long but Morgan has written a version for the Sun in which it is clear the contempt Ronaldo has for how he has found United since he returned to the club amid huge fanfare in August 2021.
“I think the fans should know the truth,” he said. “I want the best for the club. This is why I come to Manchester United.”
Ronaldo said he had seen “no evolution” at the club since former manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
“Nothing had changed,” he said. “I love Manchester United. I love the fans, they’re always on my side. But if they want to do it different… they have to change many, many things.”
Ronaldo said his view of the club was shared by Ferguson, who was pivotal in his return to Old Trafford from Juventus when it appeared he might join Manchester City.
“He knows better than anybody that the club is not on the path they deserve to be,” added Ronaldo.
“He knows. Everyone knows. The people who don’t see that… it’s because they don’t want to see; they are blind.”
Ronaldo’s former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was United manager when the Portuguese returned to the club before he was succeeded by Ralf Rangnick and then Ten Hag.
Rangnick left his role as head of sports and development at Lokomotiv Moscow to take up the job. He had previously built his reputation during his time in Germany, with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel speaking highly about their compatriot.
On Rangnick, Ronaldo said: “If you’re not even a coach, how are you going to be the boss of Manchester United? I’d never even heard of him.”
“I don’t know why he criticises me so badly… probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at a high level,” said Ronaldo.
“I’m not going to say that I’m looking better than him. Which is true…”
‘An interview that is his version of the truth’ – reaction
Match of the Day 2 pundits Jermaine Jenas and Jermain Defoe both criticised Ronaldo for his comments.
“We have seen nothing but petulance throughout the season, with the walking down the tunnel,” Jenas said.
“He’s a frustrated player, whether he feels like he’s been lied to or what, today just doesn’t feel right to me. It’s not going to help him and he has to be done at the club.”
Defoe added: “I think it’s quite disappointing to be honest, he has nothing to prove so I can’t understand why he would want to put his point across. Maybe his ego is dented a little bit.”
Former England defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carraghersaid the majority of United fans would side with Ten Hag.
“Ronaldo under ETH: Announced he wanted to leave, refused to come on as a substitute, walked off the bench and left before the game had finished,” he posted on Twitter.
“99% of United fans will be on the side of ETH, which shows how badly Ronaldo has handled this.”
Andy Mitten, editor of United We Stand magazine, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “He’s not been forced out. He wanted to leave in the summer and thought he was leaving, but there was a shortage of suitors.
Scottish giants Rangers are reportedly ready to table £5m to sign Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo from Bristol City in the January transfer window.
Rangers, who performed woefully in this season’s UEFA Champions League want to beef up their striking department with the acquisition of the 22-year-old.
Semenyo is currently contracted to the English Championship side where he is having a good time.
This season, the striker has been hampered with injuries but has still played a key role for the club.
Semenyo has played 15 games in the English Championship, scored three goals and provided one assist in the process.
The forward has been named in the 55-man provisional squad for the World Cup and is expected to be named in the final squad which will be announced on Monday, November 14, 2022.
Black Stars have been drawn in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.
Ghana will take on Portugal in their first game on November 24 before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.
Black Stars will play Switzerland in an International friendly on November 17, before travelling to Qatar for the World Cup
Being in Doha, the Ghana Football Association have reportedly settled on DoubleTree by Hilton – Doha Downtown as the team hotel for the Black Stars during the World Cup.
The ‘Only All Suites DoubleTree in Doha’ is one of the over 600 hotels owned by DoubleTree by Hilton spread across the globe.
The DoubleTree by Hilton – Doha Downtown is 10 minutes from the city center, Mushreib Museum, Souq Waqif, and the National Museum of Qatar.
Ghana will play its first game against the Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal team on Thursday, November 24, 2022, at Stadium 974 before taking on Korea and Uruguay respectively.
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