Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted to his historic FIFA World Cup moment, describing the achievement as “beautiful’.
Ronaldo became the first player to score in five different World Cups as Portugal defeated Ghana 3-2 in a five-goal thriller in a Group H encounter at Stadium 974 in Qatar.
The 37-year-old star scored from the penalty spot to open his 2022 World Cup account.
“It was a beautiful moment, my fifth World Cup. We won, we started [on the front] foot, it’s a very important win,” said Ronaldo in his post match conference.
“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 on a good foot.
WHAT MATTERS FOR RONALDO
“I could help my team, and all the rest does not matter,” added Ronaldo, who parted ways with Manchester United earlier this week on mutual consent.
Ronaldo’s performance on the night led Portugal’s coach, Fernando Santos, to shower him with praise.
“He’s one of the best players in the world, there’s no doubt about that, one of the best players ever,” said Santos.
“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.”
The victory placed Portugal at the summit of Group H with three points, whilst Uruguary and South Korea are behind at par with a point each following their nil all draw.
Ronaldo will be in action again on Monday when they take on Uruguay.
A victory for Portugal will secure them a spot in the round of 16 of the competition with one game left to play in the group stages against South Korea.
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