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FIFA WC 2022: Portugal beats Ghana 3-2; Ronaldo becomes first man to score at 5 World Cups

Cristiano Ronaldo scripted World Cup history as Portugal kicked off its Qatar 2022 campaign with a nervy 3-2 win over Ghana in a thrilling Group H match at Stadium 974 on November 24.

Ronaldo was looking to show off his skills to potential new clubs after his contract at Manchester United expired this week. After squandering two good chances in the first half, he was brought down by Ghana defender Mohammed Salisu, earning a penalty.

A smiling Ronaldo wheeled away after the ball hit the back of the net, performing his trademark leap and swivel in the air – the crowd roared his trademark “SI-UUUU” as he did the pirouette – before being mobbed by teammates.

The Portugal captain has now become the first player to score in five different editions of the world cup. He first scored in 2006 during his world cup debut, when he was just 21 years old. In Portugal’s second game of the tournament, against Iran, Ronaldo scored his first FIFA World Cup goal. He successfully converted a penalty in the 81st minute to give Portugal a 2-0 victory. He made history with that goal, becoming the smallest Portuguese player ever to do so in a FIFA World Cup game.

Ronaldo went on to score in the following four FIFA World Cups, in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. Cristiano Ronaldo set a record to become the oldest player to ever score a hat-trick at a FIFA World Cup as Portugal defeated Spain in their opening game of FIFA 2018.

The goal against Ghana was special for CR7 for one more reason. It seems like the goal has opened the floodgates of records for the legendary player. The Portuguese forward, with the goal, surpassed Lionel Messi to become the highest goal-scorer in the history of the FIFA World Cups.