Stadium 974, Doha, Qatar
CNN
—
Watching Cristiano Ronaldo within the first half of Portugal’s World Cup opener in opposition to Ghana on Thursday, you would really feel the frustration from the stands.
The striker nonetheless seemed the half, waving to the crowds and receiving the largest cheer of anybody when the beginning lineups have been introduced earlier than kickoff.
He was applauded by followers across the stadium and shirts together with his identify emblazoned on the again may very well be seen throughout Doha, Qatar, within the buildup to the match.
His iconic “SIUU” broke the language barrier with individuals from all around the world speaking to one another by mimicking the long-lasting celebration.
However whereas the 37-year-old’s recognition and star attraction stay comparatively unchanged, his performances on the pitch of late haven’t been classic Ronaldo.
It was the identical story up till the sixty fifth minute of the match at Stadium 974, at which level Ronaldo began making but extra historical past.
If his physique is likely to be shedding its energy, his footballing mind stays as sharp as ever.
Along with his workforce trying to find the breakthrough, Ronaldo used his physique to get in entrance of Mohammed Salisu and hit the ground when he felt contact from behind.
It was by no means unsure who would take the penalty: Ronaldo picked up the ball and rifled it into the highest nook of the web earlier than operating to his adoring followers in celebration.
The purpose had added significance with Ronaldo changing into the primary male participant in historical past to attain at 5 World Cups – a feat Brazilian striker Marta turned the primary participant to realize again in 2019.
It’s yet one more file so as to add to Ronaldo’s glittering profession and a reminder to everybody that he can nonetheless make the distinction when it actually issues.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored within the earlier 4 tournaments and now has eight World Cup objectives to his identify.
Regardless of profitable participant of the match and making historical past on Thursday, Ronaldo wasn’t in a talkative temper.
After the coaches of Portugal and Ghana spoke to reporters within the post-match media convention, it was Ronaldo’s flip to reply questions.
He was smiling when he walked into the media convention, however earlier than many journalists within the room may even begin recording what he was saying, Ronaldo was off once more.
He delivered a really brief reply in Portuguese when requested about his eventful week – his departure from Manchester United was introduced on Tuesday – and record-breaking achievement at Qatar 2022.
One journalist estimated that Ronaldo was within the room for simply two minutes earlier than leaving.
Up till his purpose, Ronaldo had seemed off the tempo and wasn’t wherever close to the extent we’ve come to count on from him.
He wasted alternatives {that a} youthful model of himself would have buried. He waved his arms in frustration, maybe as a lot at himself than at his teammates, who proceed to look to the striker for inspiration and management.
However simply when individuals contained in the stadium had written him off, Ronaldo delivered to make sure Ghana needed to chase the sport.
Ghana had equalized shortly after Ronaldo’s penalty via Andre Ayew, however Portugal replied with two in fast succession.
João Félix reestablished the lead and Rafael Leão added a 3rd earlier than Osman Bukari’s header gave Ghana a small likelihood of a comeback late on.
Ronaldo was substituted within the last moments as his facet seemed to defend its lead, however he remained within the recreation by stalking the touchline, demanding extra from his teammates as he did throughout that iconic European Championship last in 2016.
It confirmed, but once more, that his mentality stays as aggressive as ever.
Profitable is all that issues to a person who has gained virtually all the pieces within the recreation.
Like his rival Lionel Messi, the World Cup is the one trophy not but in his cupboard, however he appears to be like decided to vary that at Qatar 2022.
The purpose, the file and the win are welcome information for Ronaldo in every week during which Manchester United introduced that the 2 events had mutually agreed to finish the ahead’s contract with instant impact after he gave an explosive TV interview.
It’s unclear the place the famous person will go subsequent however suitors have as soon as once more been reminded of his powers.
Ronaldo is aware of find out how to rating and can preserve demanding essentially the most from himself – and his teammates.
His efficiency on Thursday confirmed once more that you would be able to’t but write off one of many world’s ever biggest gamers.