Soccer

World Cup 2022 Recap: Ronaldo makes history, Brazil down Serbia in World Cup opener

World Cup 2022 Recap: Ronaldo makes history, Brazil down Serbia in World Cup opener

In the fourth matchday of the World Cup 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo made history as he help his Portugal side win against Ghana, while Brazil’s Richarlison produces a stunning acrobatic finish to claim the Selecao’s opening win against Serbia. Both Portugal and Brazil top their respective group as the competition enters matchweek two.

The Group H thriller started when the Portugal captain, who playing his record-equaling fifth World Cup with Portugal, was awarded a controversial penalty in the 62nd minute. He then fired a low shot past goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi to give Portugal a 1-0 lead and become the first male player to score at five World Cups after scoring in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018 tournaments. Get free soccer prediction here! 

The South African side did not waste time as they scored the equalizer nine minutes later, with André Ayew finding the net in the 73rd minute, the first goal from the five African teams in the 2022 World Cup. In the extra time, the 2016 European champions quickly responded through  João Félix in the 78th minute and Rafael Leão two minutes later, with Bruno Fernandes assisting both goals. 

In the dying moments, Ghana’s Osman Bukari scored on a header to cut the lead to 3-2, which was also the final score of the match as Portugal held on to claim all three points. Ghana’s Iñaki Williams nearly produced a late equalizer as he stole the ball from Portugal’s goalkeeper but slipped at the crucial moment. In the post-match interview, Ronaldo lauded “beautiful moment” on his fifth World Cup. 

“It was a week that finishes the chapter, it’s closed. We won and I could help the team – the rest does not matter,” Ronaldo said after the game. “This was a beautiful moment, my fifth World Cup. We won, we started on our good foot and it is a very important win. The first match is crucial in these tournaments. The first player to score goals at five World Cups, this makes me very proud.”

Earlier, five-time world champion Brazil opened their campaign with a hard-fought win against Serbia 2-0, with Richarlison scoring a brace, including a stunning overhead scissor kick. The Tottenham Hotspur striker opened the scoring for Brazil in the 62nd minute after an underwhelming hour without a goal.

Richarlison scored again in the 73rd minute with a goal of the tournament worthy shot. This is Richarlison’s sevenths and eight goal in the last seven games he played for Brazil. Vinicius Junior set-up both goals. Brazil held to 2-0 lead until the final whistle was heard. Portugal face Uruguay next, while Brazil take on Switzerland this weekend. 

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