A forgettable tournament ends for Portugal despite beating Ghana 2-1. The second half opened up significantly with Ghana in particular coming to life after scoring a very good team goal.
Their defence however let them down with Boye scoring an own-goal and a poor punch by the keeper allowing Ronaldo to score his first goal of the tournament. Ronaldo though will have to wait four more years for potential World Cup glory.
His season comes to an end but what a season it was culminating in a great Champions League campaign with Real Madrid. Despite his exit, another Balon D’Or awaits for him unless Neymar or Messi guide their nations to World Cup glory
FINAL SCORE:
Portugal 2
Ghana 1
Arguably the most hotly contested group in Brazil reaches its climax with Portugal and Ghana each needing a win and a miracle to seal qualification to the round of sixteen. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2:00am AEST.
With only one point registered from their opening two matches, both Portugal and Ghana need to win to stand a remote chance of progressing past the group stages.
Even with a victory however, the fate of either Portugal or Ghana remains at the mercy of the US versus Germany match played in Recife at the same time.
If Germany and the US draw, then the result between Portugal and Ghana is irrelevant given that the US and Germany would finish first and second in the group with five points each.
With Portugal’s goal difference at -4, it appears that Ghana has the better chance of progressing past the group stages. They would need to beat Portugal and hope Germany defeats the US to have a good chance of securing qualification to the next round.
Portugal though won’t go down without a fight. If Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani can fire in attack, then they certainly have the firepower to score goals against Ghana en route to keeping their slim World Cup dreams alive.
In good news for Portugal, Pepe returns from suspension and will add some much-needed defensive steel at the back, provided he doesn’t lose his cool like he did against Thomas Muller in Portugal’s opener against Germany.
Ghana meanwhile are without Sulley Muntari, who has been a key figure at this World Cup. The 2010 quarter-finalists however still possess plenty of attacking talent, with Kevin Prince Boateng and Michael Essien world-class footballers.
In an entertaining encounter, Ghana may do just enough to earn victory.
Ghana to win 2-1.
Steve
Guest
Ronaldo has peaked. Hasn't played a dominating game in months. Ramos, Di Maria and Bale had a far greater influence in the Champions League latter stages, and Ronaldo didnt even play in the Copa Final they won. Injuries, playing too much and getting old are taking its toll.
Punter
Guest
Portugal were poor this tournament & relied on Ronoldo too much who was not in the best of form either. Long season or injury? There are not many starring at the end of last season European season are having a great world cup.
Rob McHugh
Roar Guru
Ronaldo could have and probably should have had a hat trick today. Found himself at least 4 clear cut chances.
Alan
Roar Guru
A forgettable tournament ends for Portugal despite beating Ghana 2-1 here. The second half opened up significantly with Ghana in particular coming to life after scoring a very good team goal. Their defence however let them down with Boye scoring an own-goal and a poor punch by the keeper allowing Ronaldo to score his first goal of the tournament. Ronaldo though will have to wait four more years for potential World Cup glory. His season comes to an end but what a season it was culminating in a great Champions League campaign with Real Madrid. Despite his exit, another Balon D' Or awaits for him unless Neymar or Messi guide their nations to World Cup glory Portugal 2 Ghana 1
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME - Gyan's freekick just over the bar. Portugal with one last attack. Moutinho shoots first time and his effort over the bar. Game over! Portugal 2 Ghana 1
Alan
Roar Guru
94' - Portugal and Ronaldo's dreams of World Cup glory are all over. Ghana also eliminated now. US and Germany are through. US most likely to play Belgium while Germany face Russia or Algeria perhaps. Freekick to Ghana. Portugal 2 Ghana 1
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE PORTUGAL - Ronaldo now through on goal again but his shot saved by Dauda! Ronaldo can't beat Dauda today. He got one goal but Dauda has won the war! Portugal 2 Ghana 1
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - Gee Beto in tears on the sideline! Must be because of the injury or World Cup elimination? Ronaldo goes close again with his right footed volley but his effort just over the bar! CHANCE PORTUGAL Portugal 2 Ghana 1
Alan
Roar Guru
90' - Veloso delivers but Ghana clear. Ayew now on the attack for Ghana. Pepe too good with the block though. Used all his defensive muscle there. Portugal 2 Ghana 1
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
Sorry guys, wrong thread :)
Alan
Roar Guru
88' - Beto saves a tame shot by Gyan. Beto struggling with injury now. Portugal and Ghana set to depart the tournament here. Eduardo now comes on for Beto who cannot continue Portugal 2 Ghana 1
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Ghana get the freekick. Portugal back with possession. Ghana with the ball now. Portugal 2 Ghana 1
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - Portugal now on the front foot after scoring. Varela with a shot and its easily saved by Dauda who has been busy today. Ghana break forward here. Poor cross and Portugal get the goal kick. Portugal 2 Ghana 1
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE PORTUGAL Ronaldo with another shot from right in front and Dauda stands his ground and saves yet again! Portugal 2 Ghana 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Ayew now with a shot from distance and his effort just wide of the left post! Good effort. Game opening up now. Portugal 2 Ghana 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Ghana failed to clear the cross and a poor punch from Dauda sees the ball fall for Ronaldo who this time makes no mistake from infront! Portugal 2 Ghana 1
Alan
Roar Guru
GOAL PORTUGAL Portugal 2 Ghana 1
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Dangerous cross comes in but its just beyond Gyan here. That was another decent half chance for Ghana. Portugal 1 Ghana 1
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Portugal look like a team resigned to its fate here. Group stage exit surely confirmed for them. Ghana need a few quick goals to perhaps stay alive in this tournament. Ghana the more offensive team here... Portugal 1 Ghana 1
Alan
Roar Guru
74' - Ronaldo away now but a great challenge from Boye saves the day. Boye on replay though did produce a shoulder charge there on Ronaldo....hmmm. Corner for Portugal. Poor cross and Dauda punches the ball clear. Portugal 1 Ghana 1