Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday claimed a piece of history at the FIFA World Cup, while Brazil were rocked by an injury scare to captain Neymar after a hard-fought victory over Serbia.
Ronaldo became the first man to score in five different editions of the World Cup as he slotted home a penalty to help Portugal down Ghana 3-2 in their Group H clash.
The typically ice-cold spot-kick was Ronaldo’s eighth career goal at the World Cup and came after a tumultuous week that saw the star forward make a sensational exit from Manchester United after weeks of tensions with the club.
Photo: AP
“It was a beautiful moment, my fifth World Cup, we won, and we started with our good foot,” Ronaldo said after the win. “It’s a very important win, we know the first match is crucial, but the world record is also something that makes me very proud.”
BRAZIL 2, SERBIA 0
In Thursday’s late game, Brazil were rocked by an injury scare involving captain Neymar after two goals from Richarlison secured a win over Serbia in Group G.
Photo: AP
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar was substituted with 11 minutes remaining and was later seen with a badly swollen right ankle as he left the field.
It was the latest in a series of injury dramas surrounding the Brazil talisman, whose 2014 World Cup was ended by a back injury.
The skipper was also ruled out of the 2019 Copa America due to torn ligaments in the same right ankle. He also missed 10 weeks of the 2021-2022 season with an injured left ankle.
Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said after the game that it was too early to give a clear prognosis on the player’s latest knock.
“We need to wait 24 to 48 hours to have a better assessment,” Lasmar said. “We need to wait, we cannot make any premature comments about his evolution.”
However, Brazil coach Tite said he was confident that Neymar would be fit for the remainder of the tournament.
“You can be certain that Neymar is going to play in the World Cup,” Tite told reporters.
The injury took the shine off a win that came through goals from Tottenham Hotspur’s Richarlison, including a spectacular volleyed second goal.
“It’s a childhood dream come true,” Richarlison said afterward. “We played a good game, especially in the second half, when the opponent got tired, and we managed to take advantage of that.”
SOUTH KOREA 0, URUGUAY 0
The return of Tottenham star Son Heung-min was not enough to inspire South Korea to victory with the Asian side grinding out a 0-0 draw with Uruguay in Group H.
The striker wore a mask to protect the injury he sustained while playing in the UEFA Champions League for Spurs as South Korea took a point in their opener.
The 30-year-old had surgery for fractures around his left eye three weeks ago and this was his first time playing competitively since.
“I feel OK, I’m not the only one to wear a mask, some players wear masks. I feel comfortable,” he told reporters afterward. “I’m just happy to be here, happy with the mask that I could play, it’s just so amazing.”
GERMANY FALLOUT
The shockwaves from Germany’s monumental upset defeat to Japan on Wednesday continued to reverberate, with coach Hansi Flick warning that no member of his team was safe after the 2-1 loss.
The four-time champions, who next face Spain, are facing a nightmare scenario of a second consecutive group-stage exit after their early departure in Russia in 2018.
“You can understand that we are discussing every matter of personnel and every position,” Flick said.
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