Sorry to borrow an overused cliche, but Portugal 3-2 Ghana truly was a game of two halves.In the opening 45 minutes of play at Qatar's temporary stadium (named Stadium 974) on Thursday, the action was of the lowest quality possible.There was barely a shot on goal and as such, fans were deeply concerned that another 0-0 draw at the 2022 World Cup was unfolding in front of their eyes.But the second half really was entertainment of the highest order - and for that we're so, so thankful.Just after the hour mark, Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring from the penalty spot, becoming the first ever player to bag a goal at five World Cup tournaments in the process.It was a very controversial call by the referee, though, with Ronaldo appearing to dive to earn the opportunity from 12 yards.Read more: Ronaldo sets World Cup record vs Ghana in controversial fashionAfter the record-setting goal by Ronaldo, Ghana drew level through Andre Ayew.
Portugal then took the game by the scruff of the neck. Fernando Santos' side stormed into a 3-1 lead thanks to goals from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao.Ghana made things nervy by halving the deficit through Osman Bukari and the African nation had a chance right at the end to make it 3-3.Read more: Ghana star did Ronaldo's celebration after scoring goalAnd the scoring opportunity that fell to Athletic Bilbao's Inaki Williams came under the most dramatic of circumstances.
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 24: Diogo Costa of Portugal makes a save against Inaki Williams of Ghana during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Portugal and Ghana at Stadium 974 on November 24, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)The Ghana striker hid behind Portugal's Diogo Costa and as soon as the goalkeeper put the ball on the ground, he tried to take the cheekiest of chances to score.Sadly for Williams, he slipped at the vital moment, sparing Costa's blushes.Check out the quite incredible moment, which wouldn't go amiss in a football-themed comedy flick...
Video: The dramatic ending to Portugal 3-2 Ghana
My word. Costa needs to contact the makers of Williams' studs, because they've saved him from true World Cup humiliation!
Ronaldo's reaction from the Portugal bench perfectly summed up the chaotic sequence of events in the 10th minute of stoppage-time.
Cristiano Ronaldo's reaction from the Portugal bench
But the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Costa and the rest of the squad can now breathe easy after securing a precious 3-2 victory against Ghana in their World Cup opener.
The Portugal team will now switch focus to the match against Uruguay next Monday, which could be an equally tasty game.
Quiz: Can you name all 30 of these 'streets won't forget' players from World Cups?
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