(Football news) Portugal started their World Cup campaign with a thrilling win over Ghana. Fernando Santos went with a pretty attacking line-up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix up front while Rafael Leao was on the bench. The partnership of Danilo Pereira and Ruben Diaz started in defense with Pepe on the bench. Joao Cancelo and Raphael Guerrero started as full backs ahead of Diogo Dalot and Nuno Mendes. Portugal's shape had Ronaldo as a 9 with Felix on the right. Ruben Neves started as a CDM with Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Otavio constantly switching positions as attacking midfielders. 

Portugal dominated the possession and Ghana found it very difficult to get hold of the ball. Santos' men were really good in creating spaces and breaking down the lines. They did however struggle to create clear cut chances as the full backs didn't push as high as they should have. Cristiano Ronaldo had few good chances but wasn't clinical enough. He did put the ball in the back of the net in the 31st but the referee blew the whistle for a foul in the build up. Ghana were defending really well in the final third but didn't create anything at the other end. Portugal were getting the balls to the wings but weren't able to supply it through the middle. 

In the 2nd half, Portugal turned up the heat after which Ronaldo won and scored a penalty in the 65th minute which was a 50-50 decision just like the foul that disallowed the goal. Ronaldo broke the deadlock and became the first player to score in 5 World Cups which is a record that will be tough to break. Ghana responded quickly with a goal with an equalizer 8 minutes later via skipper Andre Ayew. Portugal responded by scoring two goals in quick succession via Joao Felix and Rafael Leao. Both goals were assisted by Bruno Fernandes who had a pretty good game. Santos, thinking that the game was sealed, brought off Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix.

Ghana made things interesting after Osman Bukari scored to make it 3-2 and did the trademark Ronaldo celebration. Diogo Costa in the dying seconds was fooled by Inaki Williams who hid behind the Portugal goalkeeper. Costa, who had caught the ball, placed it on the ground after which Williams stole it. Fortunately for Portugal he couldn't score as the tame shot was cleared off the line. Portugal's defense is very suspect and this game may be a signal that Pepe needs to start the next game. The other match between Uruguay and South Korea was a draw which puts Portugal in a good position.

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