World Cup: Wins For Portugal, Switzerland, Brazil
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Portugal 3
[Ronaldo 65 pen, Sequeira 78, Leao 80]
Ghana 2
[A Ayew 73, Bukari 89]
Ronaldo became the first player to score at five World Cups as he helped Portugal beat Ghana in a five-goal thriller in Group H in Doha.
The 37-year-old, playing for the first time since being released by Manchester United following his controversial television interview, converted from the penalty spot after being fouled by defender Mohammed Salisu.
Ghana equalised through former West Ham United winger Andre Ayew who scored from close range, but Portugal soon restored their lead when Joao Felix netted with a neat finish.
Substitute Rafael Leao added another for Portugal; however, Ghana reduced the deficit when Osman Bukhari headed home late on.
Portugal endured a nervy finale when goalkeeper Diogo Costa, unaware Inaki Williams was behind him, placed the ball on the ground, allowing the Ghana forward to intercept it. However, Williams scuffed his lines at the crucial moment with his weak shot cleared off the line.
Brazil 2
[Richarlison 62, 73]
Serbia 0
Brazil, considered the pre-tournament favourites, enjoyed a thoroughly convincing victory over Serbia thanks to a brace from Richarlison.
The Tottenham Hotspur forward opened the scoring in the second half with a close-range finish before adding his second with a superb overhead volley.
Serbia defended resolutely, particularly in the first half, but did not register a single attempt on goal throughout the Group G match.
Switzerland 1
[Embolo 48]
Cameroon 0
Switzerland started their Group G campaign with a win over Cameroon in Qatar.
Breel Embolo, who moved to Switzerland from Cameroon when he was six years old, refused to celebrate when he scored early in the second half.
Uruguay 0 South Korea 0
Uruguay and South Korea shared the spoils in their Group H encounter in Qatar.
Hwang Ui-jo came the closest to breaking the deadlock, heading a corner against the post in the first half.
Tomorrow’s games
Group A
Qatar v Senegal, 9 am
Netherlands v Ecuador, 12 pm
Group B
Wales v Iran, 6 am
England v United States, 3 pm
