Portugal held off a persistent and determined Ghanian side, going 1-nil in the first half on Pk by Ronaldo, becoming the first player in World Cup history to score a goal in 5 World Cup tournaments. In the 2nd half, fireworks demonstrated the aggressive play of both sides. Ghana scored the equalizer to make it 1-1, giving them some cheer. And then, Portugal sent two shots home to go ahead 3-1. In the 89th minute, Ghana put another ball into the net, making it 3-2, Portugal. By this time, Ronaldo had been substituted out, along with teammate Joao Felix. Extended time amounted to 9 minutes, giving Ghana renewed hope to score another equalizer. It almost happened: as the Porto goalie handled a ball and prepared to roll it forward to a teammate, he missed the Ghanian forward lurking behind him. The Ghanian was able to deflect the throw to a compatriot who almost, but not quite, got a foot on the ball less than 12' from the mouth. In what could have been a major faux pas, the Porto goal keeper was able to prevent the score.
Final Ghana 2, Portugal 3
In the next contest, Brasile faced another European side that has shown increased skill over the last few years. It was a scoreless tie at the half, but in the 2nd half, Brazil was able to demonstrate not only high skills, but also a flare for art and drama as 1 player put on a show, scoring consecutive goals, one of which was a fan favorite: an over-the-head bicycle kick that eluded any goalie attempt at a block. Game over, 2-nil Brazil over Serbia.
Tomorrow:
USA vs. England
Don't miss Harry Kane match up with Christian Pulisic. Harry has a bad ankle and could be on the sideline at the start. Me, I would save him for knockout play.
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