Ghana vs Portugal. An Unforeseen Classic.
What was expected to be a one-sided encounter between Portugal and Ghana in their Group H opener, was anything but that. It did not disappoint. This match produced drama, tension, and some meme-worthy moments.
Let’s get into it:
Going into this match, Portugal were overwhelming favourites and were expected to dominate. They did just that, until after taking the lead via a controversial Cristiano Ronaldo penalty. Here is how the Portuguese lined up:
For the entirety of the first-half, Portugal were on the frontfoot and kept piling men forward pushing the fullbacks Guerreiro and Cancelo providing width upfront flanking the front three of — Felix, Ronaldo and Otavio. Ghana stood firm and disciplined in possession, compact in the middle forcing the Portuguese out wide. Portugal however, had a chance at goal in the 31' minute which was ruled out due to a Ronaldo foul on Ghanaian defender Alexander Djiku. It was clear the Portugal set out to get the early goal(s) and remain conservative to close out the match but the Ghanaian defence refused to budge and made life difficult for the Portuguese leading to a dull first half.
You have to credit Ghana despite the loss. They played their hearts out, and went toe to toe with the Portuguese. This is something Ghana is known for at the World Cup stage; they stood up to eventual champions Germany in 2014 playing out an exciting 2–2 draw; and that dramatic match against Uruguay in 2010, one that is etched in the minds of every Ghanaian as the game that denied them the opportunity of a first semi-final appearance for Africa at the World Cup. Ghana is known for this so it wasn’t surprising that they went all out, playing with courage and heart. Here is how the Black Stars lined up:
An expected 5–4–1 to match Portugal’s front-five. Ghana’s plan looked to be to hold out a possible draw and play on the break. Well, the outcome proved otherwise. Ghana offered very little threat in the first-half; Thomas Partey, their midfield progressor was constantly swarmed by the Portuguese and just looked lost throughout. Star-man Mohammed Kudus also looked lost in the half, struggling to break away when possible due to Portugal’s aggressive counterpress which made it difficult for Ghana to move up the pitch and create chances. Newboy Inaki Williams was a passenger throughout, getting little support and passes for him to run in behind. According to a touchmap from the Opta Analyst, Ghana had NO touches in the opposition box in the first-half.
Shocking but expected, given that Ghana came in with a defensive approach but this also shows how blunt and uninspiring Ghana were in attack.
Overall, it was a dull first-half with little to no entertainment.
That second-half though…
The second-half was a completely different story. 61st minute — Ronaldo goes down and a controversial penalty is given to Portugal; Portugal take a 1–0 lead. That’s when the game opened up. Ghana became more determined and looked threatning on the counter attack. In the 72' minute, Baba Rahman the fullback threads a pass through to Kudus who runs down the byline in the Portuguese 18-yard, plays a pass across the face of goal for the captain and veteran Andre Ayew to poke it home for the Black Stars; 1–1, we have ourselves a game. The crowd went crazy. Ghana could have decided to shut up shop and hold out for a draw, possibly catch Portugal unawares and score another but that wasn’t the case. Ghana decided to go for it, probably out of emotions and the Ghanaian crowd behind them. They threw men forward, and after a lapse in concentration conceeded two goals in about 2 minutes — Joao Felix (78') and substitute Rafael Leao (80'), all occuring on the break. In those moments, Ghana and Portugal switched sides - the Black Stars became the more aggressive side, and Portugal became conservative, looking to play on the break.
Ghana made a host of changes: Andre Ayew making way for Osman Bukari (77'), Alidu Seidu making way for Tariq Lamptey (66'); and Mohammed Kudus, Ghana’s best performer making way for Jordan Ayew (77'). Ghana still pressure the Portuguese despite the two-goal deficit, crowd behind them making them feel invincible and that nothing could stand in their path.
Minute 88' and Ghana build-up from a throw-in, Baba Rahman gets past Cancelo and puts a ball into the box — Osman Bukari heads home reducing the Black Stars’ deficit, 3–2. Osman Bukari, overwhelmed by the feeling of scoring his first goal does this:
Gold. Pure gold. That is why we love the beautiful game, for moments like this. He was definitely buzzing after scoring that. Imagine scoring your first ever goal at your first ever World Cup, why wouldn’t you express your delight, even the slightest? Ghana’s golden opportunity came when Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa non-chalantly placed the ball down for a goalkick, feeling like he had all the time in the world, completely forgetting that Inkai Williams was lurking behind. What was about to be one of the most iconic moments in World Cup history turned to pain when Inaki slipped, losing control and sparing Diogo Costa a howler and spot on the trending section on Twitter. Inaki slipped, he slipped.
Ghana lost the game 3–2. Heartbreak; but a brave performance from a team no one expected nothing from. An inexperienced headcoach in Otto Addo, to a very young team full of newboys with hunger and determination to make their country proud; this team showed promise and with an effective team-building plan, they can be a really strong team.
What now?
Going into matchday 2, Portugal having secured all three points sit pretty on top of the pack, with Uruguay and South Korea playing out a dull 1–1 draw sharing a point each. Ghana however carry the group with 0 points but still hope to qualify out of the group. They take on South Korea on 28th November before finishing out the group with an emotional encounter against Uruguay on 2nd December (revenge on the crads?). Portgual face Uruguay and look to win and secure three points guaranteeing their qualification; whereas Ghana need to get a win against the Koreans to stand a chance of qualifying from the group. Despite having 0 points, their display against Portugal shows that they have a chance and aren’t out of the pitcture yet. Best of luck to them.
Thank you so much for reading to whoever does. It means a lot. Have a great day :)
