After Portugal’s nerve-wracking victory over Ghana on the opening day of the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo went over to comfort goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who nearly cost his team the game.
After the final whistle of Portugal’s opening World Cup match against Ghana, captain Cristiano Ronaldo went to console goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
When Ronaldo scored a penalty in the 65th minute, he became the first player to score in five different World Cups. The penalty was awarded after Ronaldo was ruled to have been fouled by Southampton defender Mohamed Salisu.
The relationship between the Portuguese superstar and Manchester United came to an amicable end this week after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan. Now that he is in full international mode, he hopes to shatter a number of World Cup records.
Even though Fernando Santos’s side appeared to be coasting to a 3-1 victory over Ghana on the opening day, he was substituted out of the game late. Osman Bukari scored late to make it tense for Portugal.
Inaki Williams almost earned a sensational late equalizer for the African side as he stood behind Portugal goalkeeper Costa and then skilfully won the ball back from the Porto shot-stopper with a subtle run from behind him.
Williams won the ball, but he slipped on the way to it, allowing Portugal to clear the danger and hold on for the win. As a result of nearly giving the game away for his team and experiencing an embarrassing World Cup moment, Costa was left shaken after the minute.
After the game was over, Ronaldo went out onto the field and went straight to Costa, who he comforted with encouraging words and told not to let the mistake affect him negatively and to instead laugh it off because he got away with it.
You have to laugh, we won, did you concede a goal?” Ronaldo asked the goalkeeper. The response from Costa was, “No, but he was close.” “Then?” Cristiano asked. Laugh it off, we’ve already won. Let’s just celebrate our final triumph and then leave; it’s okay to laugh. We won.”
With Real Madrid officially ruling out a return for their all-time leading scorer, Ronaldo’s club future will continue to be the subject of intense scrutiny. Both Bayern Munich and his mother’s current club, Sporting Lisbon, have denied any interest in a transfer.