Fans heading to the Portugal-Ghana match would have expected a star performance from Cristiano Ronaldo.
And he duly delivered at Stadium 974, which saw Portugal fans leave smiling and Ghana fans with an idea of what might have been.
Spectators witnessed history as 37-year-old Ronaldo became the first man to score at five different FIFA World Cups. A 3-2 win over Ghana gave the 2016 European champions the perfect start to this tournament.
The goal and result will be a welcome distraction from the off-pitch issues that have clouded Ronaldo’s preparation for the tournament.
He was scathing towards Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag in an interview with TalkTV last week and later left the club by “mutual agreement”.
“It was a week that closed the chapter, it’s over. We won and I was able to help the team – the rest doesn’t matter,” Ronaldo said after the game.
“It was a beautiful moment, my fifth World Cup,
“We won, we started on the right foot and it’s a very important victory. The first game is crucial in these tournaments. The first player to score goals in five World Cups, that makes me very proud. “
“One of the best players of all time”
There was only one man among the 42,600 people who came to watch in Doha.
Stepping off the subway at Ras Bu Aboud station outside the ground, a mother, son and daughter were all wearing “Ronaldo 7” shirts, with the boy saying he was “my favorite”.
Just outside the turnstiles, fans gathered and took photos with some running and recreating his famous “Siu” celebration.
Ronaldo received deafening cheers as he led his side through the pre-match warm-up and his name received the loudest ovation when the Portugal squad sheet was read.
As the squad lined up for the national anthem, the camera turned to Ronaldo – the first man standing in the lineup – and he looked quite emotional as he sang ‘A Portuguesa’ with tears in his eyes .
The leader, who previously missed two big chances and had a goal ruled out, saw his big moment come in the second half.
In the presence of Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu, Ronaldo hit the bridge and the American referee pointed the point, which he stepped up to convert with aplomb.
Ronaldo rushed to the corner flag to perform his famous celebration, jumping and spinning with “Siuuuu” echoing around the stadium.
Portugal boss Fernando Santo said: “One of the best players in the world, one of the best players of all time.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a phenomenon, a legend like many others who came before him. In 50 years we will continue to talk about him.”
Ronaldo was given a standing ovation when he was substituted by Goncalo Ramos three minutes from time and was appalled by Ghanaian Osman Bukari’s goal for Ghana and his celebration.
More records for Ronaldo
Ronaldo became the second oldest player to score at the World Cup (37 years, 292 days), behind only Roger Milla in 1994 for Cameroon (42 years, 39 days).
But that record may well elude him as he will only be 41 when the next tournament comes in 2026.
Ronaldo is the third player to be both a country’s oldest and youngest goalscorer at the World Cup, along with Croatian Ivica Olic and Denmark’s Michael Laudrup.
Including World Cups and Euros, Ronaldo has now scored in 10 consecutive major tournaments.
“Ronaldo would have entered this World Cup with the record [of scoring in five tournaments] in the lead,” former Portugal team-mate Jose Fonte told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Records chase him and I’m sure he will be extremely proud to score in five World Cups.
“It’s a credit to his attention to detail, his professionalism and the way he takes care of himself. It’s a great achievement for him and for Portugal as well.”
Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves added: “It’s Cristiano, everyone knows him. He’s the best player in the world.
“He’s really motivated, he’s really focused on the national team and we’re really lucky to have him with us because he can still help us a lot.”
Ronaldo’s penalty decision ‘a dip’
Ronaldo wouldn’t have had the chance to score his historic goal if the referee ruled that Salisu had played the ball or if the video assistant referee had intervened.
Neither saved Ghana, leaving boss Otto Addo furious afterwards.
He told BeIN Sports: “The referee gave a penalty that wasn’t a penalty – everyone saw it. Why? Because it’s Ronaldo or something?”
Asked by a reporter during the post-match press conference if the penalty was given because Ronaldo is a superstar, Addo replied: “Ask the referee.
“I have no evidence if he would have decided differently for someone else. There was contact from players. I don’t know what they were doing, wasn’t the VAR paying attention to it ?
“The referee was not in our favor today.”
Former England defender Matt Upson called it a “dive” on BBC Radio 5 Live, adding: “There’s a little contact but there’s not enough to knock him down surely?”
