Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo moved to console goalkeeper Diogo Costa after the full-time whistle of his team’s opening World Cup game against Ghana.
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Ronaldo became the first player to score in five different World Cups when he scored a controversial penalty in the 65th minute – with the kick awarded after Ronaldo had been judged to have been tripped by Southampton’s Mohamed Salisu.
The Portuguese star ended his relationship with Manchester United by mutual consent this week after his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan. He has now switched to international mode and is aiming to break different World Cup records.
Yet he was substituted off in the closing stages of the victory over Ghana when Fernando Santos’s side were 3-1 up and cruising to the triumph. But, a late goal from Osman Bukari set up a nervy finish for Portugal.
The nerves were evident in the closing minutes and Inaki Williams almost earned a late equaliser for the African side, as he stood behind Portugal keeper Costa before winning the ball back from the Porto shot-stopper by his run from behind the goalkeeper to win the ball.
But, Williams slipped when he won the ball and Portugal were able to clear the ball and hang on to victory. Costa was left shaky after the minute due to the fact he almost threw the game away for his team and suffered an embarrassing World Cup moment, but he survived.
After the game, Ronaldo went on to the pitch and straight to Costa – whom he confronted with words and told him that he should not be negatively impacted by it, and just laugh at the situation because he got away with the mistake.
Ronaldo said to the goalkeeper: “You have to laugh, we won, did you concede a goal?” To which Costa responded: “No, but he was close.” Cristiano: “Then? You have to laugh, we win! Another victory and we go, you can laugh, let’s go! We won.”
There will continue to be a huge focus on Ronaldo’s future at club level, with Real Madrid ruling out a return for the player.
