Ghana coach Otto Addo fumed at the decision to award Portugal a penalty in their thrilling win over the Black Stars on Thursday, declaring: "I don't know if the VAR wasn't paying attention".
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to net at five editions of the World Cup when he opened the scoring from the spot at Stadium 974, as Portugal eventually ran out 3-2 winners.
Ghana, however, were incensed by referee Ismail Elfath's decision to award the spot-kick, believing Mohammed Salisu won the ball with his challenge on the five-time Ballon d'Or-winner.
Addo hit out at Elfath's performance and revealed he was denied the chance to speak to him after Ghana's defeat.
Asked whether Ronaldo benefitted from a favourable decision, Addo said: "I think you'd have to ask the referee. I have no proof of that, but we were playing the ball, then there was a contact.
"I don't know what they were doing, I don't know whether the VAR wasn't paying attention.
"If I look at that moment, it's incredible. If you look at a replay, we played the ball. It was actually a foul against us.
"The game was hectic, we made a few mistakes to allow the second and third goals, opening the lines for them to pass it. It was a little bit unlucky.
"With a bit of luck, we could have got one point. The referee was not in our favour. In my view, our yellow cards were deserved, but for me, holding jerseys is also a yellow card. I don't know what was wrong, but he was really not in our favour.
"I asked some people from FIFA if I could talk briefly to the referee in a calm and quiet way, but they said he is in a meeting and it's not possible.
"I think they have match analysis, so it's the truth, but surely you can have some minutes for the coach."
Ghana full-back Tariq Lamptey was also asked about the decision, responding: "I think you saw it. You can give your opinion."
The African nation have now lost their opening match on three of their four participations at the World Cup (W1), but Lamptey believes there were plenty of positives to take.
"Obviously, I would have liked to get the win," Lamptey said. "They have a lot of world-class players in their team, but we felt like we could have got the result we deserved, and we were so close to getting that.
"We know we played well, but it's a difficult one as we know we could have got something. We'll put that energy into our next game and give it our best."
Cristiano Ronaldo stated his club future "does not matter" after a "beautiful moment" which saw him set a World Cup record.
The 37-year-old tucked home from the penalty spot in the second half against Ghana to open the scoring for Portugal in a 3-2 victory, becoming the first player to score in five different World Cup tournaments.
Ronaldo's goal comes on the back of a week when he has dominated the headlines, conducting an interview with Piers Morgan that sent shockwaves across the world of football due to his immense criticism of Manchester United, with it then announced on Tuesday that a mutual termination of his contract was agreed.
That puts Ronaldo in the market as he stars in the World Cup but, while questions regarding his future will continue to orientate, he remains firmly focused on performing for his nation.
"It was a beautiful moment, my fifth World Cup. We won, we started with a good foot, it's a very important win," he told a post-match press conference.
"We know that in these competitions the first match is crucial, but also the record to be the first player to score in five World Cups, it's something that makes me very proud and I'm very happy that the team got a result in a tough game.
"The most important step was that we won, it was a week that finished a chapter, it's closed, and now we want to start off with a good foot.
"We won, I could help my team and all the rest does not matter."
Ronaldo earned the praise of head coach Fernando Santos, who believes the forward will remain a topic of conversation among football fans for many decades ahead.
"He's one of the best players in the world, there's no doubt about that, one of the best players ever," he said.
"Cristiano is a phenomenon, a legend, like many others who have come and gone in football. In 50 years time, we will continue to talk about him."
Portugal can secure their spot in the round of 16 with victory against Uruguay on Monday, with their group stage concluding against South Korea four days later.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in five World Cups, but Portugal required a couple of late goals to rescue a nervy 3-2 win against Ghana on Thursday.
Just two days after having his Manchester United contract terminated by mutual consent, free agent Ronaldo converted a penalty to break down a stubborn Ghana side in their Group H opener.
Ghana were furious with the awarding of the 65th-minute spot-kick for Mohammed Salisu's challenge on Ronaldo, but they hit back through Andre Ayew in the 73rd minute.
However, Joao Felix fired Portugal back in front and substitute Rafael Leao added a third, which proved important when Osman Bukari scored a late consolation for Ghana, who missed a glorious chance to snatch a point through Inaki Williams.
Ronaldo was denied by Lawrence Ati-Zigi after a heavy first touch and headed wide from the best of Portugal's limited first-half chances, before having a goal ruled out for a foul.
Alidu Seidu was lucky to only be shown a yellow early in the second half after locking heads with Joao Felix, but Ghana were less fortunate when a penalty was given to Portugal
Salisu was penalised for his challenge on Ronaldo, despite appearing to touch the ball before the player, and the superstar forward made no mistake from the spot.
That sparked some life into Ghana and Ayew steered home a leveller after Mohammed Kudus pulled the ball back into his path, but Portugal's own response was equally as swift.
Joao Felix raced onto Bruno Fernandes' throughball and dinked over Ati-Zigi, before Leao – on the field for just 45 seconds – curled in a delightful third for Fernando Santos' side.
Bukari, himself introduced from the bench, headed in from a Baba Rahman cross to set up a tense finish and Williams almost snuck an equaliser when he took the ball off the feet of an oblivious Costa before slipping at the crucial moment.
Cristiano Ronaldo was named in Portugal's starting XI for their World Cup opener against Ghana at Stadium 974 in Doha.
After his inflammatory interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo left Manchester United by mutual agreement on Tuesday.
That means the 37-year-old is a free agent, and if he needs to remind anyone of his qualities ahead of the January transfer window, he has the chance to do so in Qatar.
Fernando Santos saw no issue in bringing Ronaldo into his team for Portugal's first Group F game on Thursday, with the striker spearheading an attack that also included Porto winger Otavio and Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix.
Ronaldo is aiming to become the first player to score at five different World Cups.
In an attacking-looking XI, Ruben Neves took up a holding midfield role, behind Bernardo Silva and Ronaldo's now ex-United club-mate, Bruno Fernandes.
Veteran campaigner Pepe was left on the bench, with Danilo preferred as Ruben Dias' partner, while Joao Cancelo and Raphael Guerreiro completed the defence ahead of goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Having switched allegiance from Spain, Inaki Williams led the line for Ghana, with Arsenal's Thomas Partey anchoring a four-man midfield that also included Andre Ayew and Mohammed Kudus, who has impressed for Ajax this season and has this week compared himself to Brazil star Neymar.
Ghana captain Ayew will have appeared in more World Cup matches (eight) than any current player for African nations once the game kicks off.
Portugal will not be distracted by the furore surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo as they look to get their World Cup campaign up and running, says Ruben Dias.
Ronaldo's inflammatory interview with Piers Morgan has been the hot topic ahead of Portugal's opening Group H match in Qatar against Ghana on Thursday at Stadium 974.
Portugal's captain insisted no issues have been caused in the squad, despite what seemed a frosty exchange with his now ex-Manchester United team-mate Bruno Fernandes on the latter's arrival to the team's training camp.
Centre-back Dias, however, shrugged off any chance of Ronaldo's situation proving to be a distraction.
"I don't think Cristiano's affairs have put a dent whatsoever into what we are trying to achieve here, so I don't have much to say about it," Dias said in a press conference on Tuesday.
"I think we've talked about this enough, there's not much to add. As a team we will focus on the World Cup now and not other issues.
"We're focused on winning against Ghana. The best way to win is focus on one game at a time and that's the best way to have a successful path ahead of us."
Progressing from Group H will not be a simple task for Portugal.
Uruguay and South Korea are the other teams in the group, while Ghana head into their fourth World Cup with a talented squad, albeit one that is the youngest in the tournament.
Inaki Williams, who has switched allegiance from Spain, is a threat up top, with Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey enjoying fine seasons with Ajax and Arsenal respectively.
Indeed, since the start of detailed Opta World Cup data, Ghana have averaged the most shots per game in the World Cup among all teams competing in 2022 (19).
"Ghana are physically a strong team, technically as well. They have footballers who are playing at the top level in Europe," added Dias.
"We are aware we are facing a very dangerous team. We’re focused on what we are doing, but aware of the difficulties that Ghana will bring."
Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo loves silencing his critics, and what better stage to do it? The 37-year-old is looking to become the first player to score at five different World Cup finals.
All of Ronaldo's seven goals in the tournament have come in the group stage. He has scored the most goals of any player in the competition who is yet to find the net in the knockout stages (six such appearances without a goal).
Ghana – Mohammed Kudus
Kudus revealed earlier this week that he came close to joining Everton in August, but if the 22-year-old carries his club form into the World Cup, he might well be the subject of interest from bigger teams in January.
He has scored 10 goals for Ajax this term, with four of those coming in the Champions League, from six appearances.
With Williams ahead of him and Partey behind, Kudus could be one to watch in Qatar.
PREDICTIONS
Portugal are heavy favourites based on Opta's predictor model, which gives Fernando Santos' side a 69.6 per cent chance of victory.
Ghana, who lost 2-1 to Portugal in the 2014 World Cup, are handed an 11.9 per cent chance, with the draw at 18.5.
Bruno Fernandes described his time playing with Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United as a "dream come true" after the five-time Ballon d'Or winner left the club by mutual consent.
Ronaldo's United departure appeared inevitable after he gave a bombshell interview to Piers Morgan, in which he said the club had "betrayed" him and declared he did not respect manager Erik ten Hag.
Having committed to taking "appropriate steps" against Ronaldo, United confirmed on Tuesday they had severed ties with the forward with immediate effect.
As Fernandes prepares to team up with Ronaldo for Portugal's World Cup opener against Ghana on Thursday, the attacking midfielder said he will cherish their time spent together at Old Trafford.
Asked whether speculation concerning Ronaldo's future had affected him, Fernandes said: "I don't feel uncomfortable. I don't have to pick a side. It was a privilege, to play at the club with Cristiano was a dream.
"Cristiano has always been an inspiration for me, so it was a dream come true to be able to play with him at the club, but we know that nothing lasts forever.
"It was great for me and good while it lasted. Cristiano took a different decision for his life and his decision has to be respected, regardless of us agreeing or not.
"We are players, but we're also parents, brothers, we know it might be difficult to take these decisions but they have to be for the wellness of ourselves and our families."
Fernandes also insists he has not discussed Ronaldo's next steps with him, adding: "Cristiano hasn't discussed with me, it's his decision, a personal decision and it should pertain to him and his family, that's for sure.
"We haven't discussed the topic, we are focused on the national team, the World Cup. You know how important playing for the national team is for Cristiano.
"That's a dream for a player, winning the World Cup, and it's a competition where every player wants to play.
"Our focus is 100 per cent on the national team, we are aware of what we have to do. I don't believe that what he's done or decided will have any impact on the national team."
Last week, onlookers speculated that an awkward handshake between Ronaldo and Fernandes demonstrated discontent between the duo, though Joao Mario later insisted it was the result of a joke after Fernandes arrived late for Portugal's pre-tournament camp.
Fernandes repeated Joao Mario's explanation on Wednesday, adding: "It was a joke. When you take regular flights – these things happen!
"I wasn't worried about knowing his future at that moment. If it weren't for this news, something else would happen.
"When you have to talk, you talk about those who make the most noise, and Cristiano is the one who makes the most noise in the world of football."
Ghana coach Otto Addo, meanwhile, was in no mood to allow Ronaldo's United departure to overshadow his own team's World Cup preparations.
"I don't know and I honestly don't care. It's not our problem," Addo said when asked about Ronaldo. "I don't think it will be a distraction. Everyone wants to win, it's a big game, it's the World Cup."
Cristiano Ronaldo will be "phenomenal" at the World Cup as long as Portugal meet expectations as a collective, according to his team-mate Ruben Neves.
Ronaldo has been at the centre of a media storm over the past week after he took part in an astonishing interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan.
During the one-on-one, Ronaldo was largely scathing of Manchester United, criticising the board, young players and manager, Erik ten Hag.
United confirmed on Thursday they have dealt with the matter, though they did not disclose what punishment had been handed out to Ronaldo.
He was then reported as being ill when absent for Portugal's pre-World Cup friendly with Nigeria on Thursday, but he returned to training two days later.
Despite the hysteria surrounding the 37-year-old, Neves insists Portugal – and Ronaldo – are looking good ahead of their World Cup opener against Ghana on Thursday.
"From what I've seen in training, he's in great shape," Neves told reporters at Portugal's training base.
"[Ronaldo's interview] is not at all a subject that concerns us. We know perfectly well that our collective must work very well to highlight individuals.
"And With Cristiano it's no different. If we're good, we know that Cristiano is going to be phenomenal."
After Ronaldo joined up with the Portugal squad in the wake of his controversial interview, a video of him greeting his United colleague Bruno Fernandes was perceived to depict some hostility from the latter.
The clip turned out to be from a longer video published by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), with Fernandes adamant they were sharing a joke that had been misconstrued.
Neves supported this claim, dismissing the idea of controversy entering the dressing room.
"There is no controversy in the locker room," he continued. "It is impossible for us to discuss these controversies since they do not exist in the locker room.
"These are more controversies outside and on social media rather than in the locker room.
"Everything has been said. We are 100 per cent focused on the World Cup. We have a great atmosphere in the team, we are concentrating on that."
Pele "had Ghana in mind" when he predicted a team from Africa would eventually win the World Cup, the country's president said on Friday.
As the Black Stars set off for Qatar, hopes are high at home that the 2010 quarter-finalists can have another strong tournament.
Brazil great Pele forecast in the 1970s that a team from Africa would win football's greatest global title before the end of the century.
That did not come to fruition, and Africa has yet to produce a World Cup semi-finalist. Few would expect that to change in Qatar 2022, and Ghana enter the tournament as long shots.
The opening game for Otto Addo's team comes on November 24 against Portugal, who should have superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks.
President Nana Akufo-Addo said: "A long time ago, the greatest footballer that's ever lived, the Brazilian Pele, said that very soon an African country is going to lift that trophy, and I know that he had in mind Ghana.
"Let's all together rally around the young men and the team and make sure we give them our maximum support.
"They're going to go a long way away in Doha and Qatar, but they should know the entire nation, without distinction of politics, or religion, or ethnicity; the entire Ghanaian nation are 100 per cent solidly behind them."
Ghana will also face South Korea and Uruguay in Group H, and the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) challenged the team to "hoist the flag of Ghana even higher on global football's ultimate stage".
"As the mother body of all professional footballers in the country, the PFAG expects a sterling showing from our gallant warriors to make all Ghanaians proud," the association said in a statement.
"We wish the playing body the very best as they lace up their boots to do battle on the world stage.
"To the technical bench, we urge you to continue doing your utmost and to leave no stone unturned in mapping out our assured paths to victory.
"Finally, to all teeming and passionate fans of the Black Stars, we ask that you enjoin us in fervent prayer and resounding support for our Stars!
"Let's chant and sing in one voice to push our team beyond all hurdles in their quest to shine bright in Qatar!"
Former Juventus and Inter full-back Kwadwo Asamoah has announced his retirement from playing at the age of 33.
Asamoah, who was capped 74 times by Ghana and appeared at two World Cups, most recently featured for Cagliari at club level in the 2020-21 season.
He confirmed on social media he has officially called time on one chapter of his career and will now become a player agent.
Versatile defender Asamoah started his career at Udinese and made 279 appearances in Serie A – the most for an African player in the competition's history.
Asamoah joined Juve from Udinese in July 2012 and won 13 titles across six seasons with the Turin giants before spending two years with Inter.
Injuries curtailed his time at Cagliari, for whom he made his final appearance in a goalless draw against Milan in May 2021.
Reigning Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions Senegal and continental powerhouse Ivory Coast have been drawn together for the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The biennial tournament is due to be held in Algeria in January and February 2023, with 18 teams competing across five groups. The participants must consist only of players playing in their domestic national league competitions.
Group B looms as the toughest with Senegal drawn alongside two-time AFCON winners Ivory Coast, as well as DR Congo and Uganda. DR Congo missed out on 2022 World Cup qualification in the playoffs to Morocco.
Hosts Algeria are in Group A with 2014 winners Libya, Ethiopia and Mozambique, while Morocco, who have lifted the past two African Nations Championship titles, are in Group C with Ghana, Sudan and Madagascar.
Mali, Angola and Mauritania are in Group D and Cameroon, Congo and Niger make up Group E.
Egypt, who lost last year's AFCON final to Senegal, along with 2022 World Cup participants Tunisia did not enter, while Nigeria failed to qualify.
Brazil head coach Tite has praised the "impressive" performance of his side regaining possession against Ghana.
The South American side blitzed to a 3-0 win against their African opponents in a friendly in France, Marquinhos opening the scoring inside nine minutes before Richarlison struck a brace before the break.
Victory in Le Havre raises optimism for the five-time World Cup champions before the tournament later this year, with Tite's side excelling in the final third and putting their opponents to the sword.
However, Tite was impressed by the display of his side without possession against Ghana as they quickly responded to win the ball back.
"In the first half, the team mobilised to, after losing possession, immediately regain control of the ball," he said.
"There are several different ways to call it: lose-and-press, five seconds of madness, everyone uses a different term. But our speed in regaining possession was impressive.
"When the balls stopped, the team also went well, it was clean. Coming to France, without the athletes having to change time zone, helped."
In the second half, Brazil were unable to perform entirely up to the standard they displayed in the opening 45 minutes but Tite believes doing so would not have been possible.
"In the first half, the team had pace and the performance, they dominated and controlled. In the second half, Ghana managed to control for 15 minutes, we could not finish them as they had a wall of five players," he explained.
"At the same time, we were solid. If we didn't create, we didn't let our opponent create either. With the entry of fresh players [off the bench], we regained dominance.
"Then we had clear chances to extend our lead. Matheus Cunha had two clear chances, there were chances with Neymar, Rodrygo, Paqueta.
"So, the team was able to do well in these different stages but being equal to what we did in the first half does not always work."
Brazil face Tunisia on Tuesday in their final game before the World Cup commences in Qatar in November.
Richarlison scored twice as Brazil beat Ghana 3-0 in Le Havre, an early tease of the Selecao's strength before they go after a sixth World Cup title.
Neymar pulled the strings in the first half, setting up both of Tottenham frontman Richarlison's goals after Marquinhos put them into an early lead.
There was a late booking for Neymar after he took too firm a nibble at Mohammed Kudus, the player who scored for Ajax against Liverpool in the Champions League.
But nothing could spoil Brazil's night in Normandy as Tite's team wrapped up a convincing win.
The opening goal came in the ninth minute when Raphinha's devilishly powerful corner from the right swung in and was met with a thumping header from Marquinhos.
Raphinha, Neymar and Vinicius Junior failed to take chances before Richarlison showed how it is done in the 28th minute, sweeping a crisp and low first-time shot into the bottom-right corner from Neymar's pass.
Brazil's third arrived in the 40th minute when Neymar took on set-piece duties on the left and whipped a dangerous free-kick into the near post where Richarlison's header gave Jojo Wollacott little chance.
Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams made his Ghana debut, coming on for the start of the second half after switching allegiance from Spain. Brazil also threw on Bremer for a debut, the Juventus central defender taking the place of Thiago Silva.
Ghana went close to pulling one goal back when Andre Ayew headed against the crossbar in the 57th minute, while Williams proved to be a dangerous new presence in the Black Stars' attack.
Brazil had riches in reserve though, and Tite withdrew Richarlison, Vinicius and Casemiro just after the hour mark, with Fabinho, Antony and Matheus Cunha coming on.
Raphinha could not quite reach a dangerous ball across goal from Lucas Paqueta, and Cunha saw a close-range effort deflect over the bar, as Brazil chased in vain for a fourth late in the game.
Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams has been called up by Ghana for the first time, as the Black Stars look to finalise plans for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
The Spain-born attacker is eligible through his parents, who hail from the nation's capital Accra, and his inclusion comes after he made himself available in July for this month's friendlies with Brazil and Nicaragua.
Williams is a former Spain international, but with just one friendly cap to his name, against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2016, the 28-year-old was able to switch his allegiance.
Ghana qualified for their fourth World Cup appearance earlier this year after edging Nigeria on away goals in the CAF play-offs.
Other inclusions include Southampton's Mohammed Salisu, who reportedly refused previous call-ups, and Brighton and Hove Albion's Tariq Lamptey, a former England youth international.
The Black Stars will feature in Group H at Qatar 2022, and will face Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.
The upcoming friendies see them play Brazil in Le Havre, France, on September 23, before the Nicaragua game follows in Larca, Spain, four days later.
Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz will play one game less for the upcoming mini tournament in Austria following the cancelation of the team’s fixture against Ghana.
Originally, the 23-man squad, who arrived for the Austria Mini Football Tournament in Vienna on Wednesday, were expected to have fixtures against Ghana, Qatar, and Morocco on the 20th, 23rd, and 26th.
With the rest of the teams already settled in, however, the African nation Ghana is yet to arrive. As a result, Jamaica’s fixture that was scheduled to be played against Ghana on Saturday has been cancelled. Ghana is still expected to take part in the tournament as they are scheduled to arrive on the island on Saturday.
Jamaica's fixtures against Morocco on the 23rd and Qatar on the 26th are scheduled to go ahead. The tournament will kick off with Morocco vs Qatar on Saturday. The majority locally-based squad will be managed by newly appointed interim coach Merron Gordon.
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has named a majority locally based squad for the country’s upcoming three-game mini tournament in Austria.
The football competition, which will take place at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion, has been put on by Qatar as part of their preparations for the FIFA World Cup later this year.
In addition to Qatar, the Reggae will be joined at the tournament by Morocco and African nation Ghana, who will also be making an appearance in Qatar for the global football showpiece.
Of the 27 players named in the Jamaica squad, 20 ply their trade in the country’s local league. The exceptions are experienced defender Adrian Mariappa who will join from Australia’s McArthur FC, Jevani Brown who represents EFL League One club Exeter City, Oquassa Chong (Esbjerb fb), Venton Evans (Greenville Triumph) Damani Osei
(Santa Clara), Jourdain Fletcher (Gokulam Kerala) and Maliek Howell (University of Memphis).
The Reggae Boyz will tackle Ghana on August 20, followed by matches against Morocco on the 23rd and Qatar on the 26th. The team will be coached by Merron Gordon who will be assisted by Vassell Reynolds.
Full squad
Kemar Foster Waterhouse FC
Amal Knight Harbour View FC
Eric Edwards Arnett Gardens FC
Colorado Murray Harbour View FC
Trayvone Reid Harbour View FC
Ricardo Thomas Waterhouse FC
Ky-Mani Campbell Waterhouse FC
Richard King Cavalier SC
Denardo Thomas Waterhouse FC
Demario Phillips Dunbeholden FC
Fabion McCarthy Dunbeholden FC
Nickoy Christian Dunbeholden FC
Ramone Howell Waterhouse FC
Ronaldo Webster Cavalier SC
Jourdain Fletcher Gokulam Kerala
Maliek Howell University of Memphis
Earl Simpson Arnett Gardens FC
Odane Pennycooke Tivoli Gardens FC
Tarick Ximines Mount Pleasant FC
Alwayne Harvey Mount Pleasant FC
Adrian Marriapa. McAuthur FC
Damani Osei. Santa Clara Broncos
Shamari Dyer Harbour View
Oquassa Chong Esbjerb fb
Venton Evans Greenville Triumph
Jevani Brown Exeter City
Nicholas Hamilton Harbour View FC
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