Brazil World Cup 2014 Schedule: Group Fixtures,Portugal Vs. Ghana 2-1
Boye 30′ (og)Ronaldo 80′
Gyan 57′
- FT 90 +6
- HT 1-0
Christian Ronaldo's goal in the 80th mn gave Portugal a winner over Ghana, but no avail. Both teams will be going home after Group G fixtures in Round 1. By the look of Ronaldo's face in the media, it was easy to notice his disappointment in the Brazil World Cup 2014 Group G fixtures. But given that he had a knee injury that kept him from playing his best, the 2014 FIFA World Cup that expected Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar to be 'larger than life,' have left Christiano behind.
Ghana's John Boye pretty much gave Portugal the lead when he crossed the ball to score an 'own goal.' That was exactly how Brazil's Marcelo (watch video) (11') had opened their match vs. Croatia, but they seemed to have gotten past the embarrassment. But in World Cup play, it was not the same with Ghana in Group G Fixtures. Asamoah Gyan, who is the dominant player on the field, scored a goal in the 57' but that was not enough to keep their momentum going.
Shots on goal by Ghana were half that of Portugal who created more chances for themselves, with or without Christiano Ronaldo. Fouls were also disproportionate with Ghana 3 yellow cards to 1 for Portugal. That would suggest a lack of creative play-making by Ghana rather than on tough defensive tactics.
Analysis by Pat Nevin, a former international for Scotland shared on BBC, "Both sides had chances to go through, and they can't blame anyone else but themselves. Cristiano Ronaldo missed six golden opportunities, and should have had a penalty as well. He didn't look fully fit to me."
Nevin added, "A fully-fit Ronaldo could have torn this tournament apart. I don't think Ghana have enough quality going forward; they're far too reliant on Asamoah Gyan."
LINEUP, BOOKINGS (4) & SUBSTITUTIONS (6)
Portugal
- 22 Beto (Eduardo - 89' )
- 21 João Pereira (Varela - 62' )
- 04 Miguel Veloso
- 06 Carvalho
- 03 Pepe
- 02 Bruno Alves
- 08 João Moutinho Booked
- 20 Amorim
- 11 Éder (Vieirinha - 69' )
- 17 Nani
- 07 Ronaldo
Ghana
- 16 Dauda
- 23 Afful Booked
- 20 Asamoah
- 17 Rabiu (Acquah - 76' )
- 21 Boye
- 19 Mensah
- 07 Atsu
- 08 Badu
- 03 Gyan
- 18 Waris Booked (J.Ayew - 71' Booked )
- 10 A.Ayew (Wakaso - 81' )
