Portugal vs Ghana 3-2: World Cup 2022 – as it happened

Phew. Have you caught your breath yet after that exhilarating last half hour?

If you have, now would be great time to check out our match report on today’s encounter.

Also, in case you haven’t already jumped on to it, we have our live blog of the upcoming Brazil vs Serbia match all ready and prepped for you, so do make sure to check it out!

It’s a rare feat to be both the youngest and oldest World Cup scorer for your country, but Ronaldo is not averse to such things.

Portugal were always going to need their cast of glittering stars to show up, and Fernandes answered the call.

And after a crazy last 20 minutes of play, the referee finally draws proceedings to a close in what has undoubtedly been one of the more frenetic matches of the tournament thus far.

For much of the game, it looked the encounter was going to be another goalless draw – but then Ronaldo’s goal from the penalty spot burst the game into life.

After the star striker became the first male player to score in five different World Cup campaigns, the matchstick was lit, and the fans were treated to an end-to-end humdinger of a finish.

At the end, Ghana could very well have tied it up as they looked increasingly potent as the match wore on.

Portugal will be grateful for the three points, however, and Ghana will certainly rue their missed opportunity.

Full-time: Portugal 3-2 Ghana

That would have been really unfortunate for Portugal as Costa, after looking to send a goal kick downfield, fails to pick up the lurking Inaki William behind him as he is quickly dispossessed.

The Portuguese centre backs rush back to support the keeper and stamp out any chance of a tie as they are able to successfully deal with the situation.

90+9 mins: Portugal 3-2 Ghana

After his earlier effort, Bukari looks to make it a brace by sending in a long distance curling shot from the left which just lands high on the netting of the cross bar.

90+8 mins: Portugal 3-2 Ghana

Unsurprisingly, the referee has signalled for nine more minutes of play as a result of the more contentious nature of this second half.

Bruno Fernandes is shown a yellow soon after for an untimely challenge on Osman Bukari.

90+4 mins: Portugal 3-2 Ghana

Black Stars strike again! This time it is Bukari’s turn as Ghana makes it 3-2.

Very much against the run of play here as Osman Bukari is found inside the box and shoots it to the left of Costa to make Stadium 974 shake once more. That was definitely a result of poor marking on behalf of the Portuguese defence.

The Portuguese players seem visibly upset over the series of events as soon after they kick off, Inaki Williams is fouled rather clumsily near the halfway line.

The referee has to intervene as the two sets of players let their feelings be known.

89 mins: Portugal 3-2 Ghana

Ghanaian body language is visibly down after that moment of ecstasy following Andre Ayew’s equalizer.

They will want to keep Portugal to just the three goals in order to control the goal difference, which could be crucial considering how tricky the group is.

Portugal also make some additional changes as Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix and Bernardo Silva all depart for Joao Palhinha, Joao Mario and Goncalo Ramos.

87 mins: Portugal 3-1 Ghana

It’s 3-1 Portugal now as Leao finesses a shot to the left of the keeper!

Rafael Leao was just brought on by Santos and provides the quintessential definition of an impact substitute.

After another casual lapse on the defensive end by Ghana, the ball is picked up inside of their half and finds Bruno Fernandes, who times a beautifully weighted pass to Leao on the left side, who is able to finish with aplomb.

80 mins: Portugal 3-1 Ghana

Joao Felix makes it 2-1 Portugal!

After Ghana give up the ball within Portugal’s half, the counterattack is sprung effectively and Silva is able to pick out Felix as he makes a run on the right side.

Felix finishes it cooly to the left of the keeper on the near side and restores Portugal’s advantage.

78 mins: Portugal 2-1 Ghana

Goal-scorer Andre Ayew, barely a few minutes after putting his side back into this contest, is given a rousing sendoff by the fans as he makes way for Osman Bukari.

76 mins: Portugal 1-1 Ghana

The Portuguese supporters have fallen silent following Andre Ayew’s equaliser.

The Ghanaian captain’s strike appears to have taken the wind out of their sails as the game enters its final 15 minutes of normal time.

Stadium 974 erupts as Ayew draws the match level!

After Kudus attempted a long-distance strike which was successfully dealt with by Costa, Ghana end up picking up the ball again after a defensive blunder.

Kudus makes a surging run into the box on the left side and issues a quick pass to Ayew who is able to slot it past the Portuguese keeper.

Massive moment here as we should be in for an exciting finale to this match!

74 mins: Portugal 1-1 Ghana

Noticeable change in tactics from Otto Addo’s men as they look to press higher up the pitch in response to Ronaldo’s goal.

Portugal will definitely like some insurance here if they are to put away the Black Stars.

71 mins: Portugal 1-0 Ghana

The footballing gods shine down on Ronaldo as he indeed becomes the first player to score in five World Cups!

Those at the stadium will be delighted to bear witness to history as the Portuguese squad run up to celebrate with their talisman.

Ghana will have no choice now but to be more positive if they are to try and salvage a draw here at Stadium 974.

65 mins: Portugal 1-0 Ghana

Ronaldo is brought down within the box by Salisu and the referee straight away points to the spot.

Huge moment in the match as Ronaldo makes his way to try and become the first player to score in five different World Cups.

63 mins: Portugal 0-0 Ghana

Here’s how things stand at the moment in Group H, with all four sides on a point apiece following South Korea and Uruguay’s scoreless draw earlier on Thursday.

After a late challenge by Seidu on Felix, the Ghanaian is shown the yellow card.

However, as Felix confronts Seidu for the untimely tackle, the video feed picks up the latter attempting a cheeky headbutt on the former.

The Portuguese players rush to the referee to contest the act, and after a brief delay it looks like there will be no further review.

He will be walking a delicate rope from here on in though, I imagine.

58 mins: Portugal 0-0 Ghana