Whichever side of the GOAT debate you sit on, one thing was indisputable. 2022 would be CR7’s last time at the big dance. 

Many pundits didn’t really rate Portugal as a favorite to take it all. Despite boasting a super-talented squad with the likes of Leão, Bernardo SIlva, Bruno Fernandes and of course an aging great Cristiano Ronaldo; The Portuguese still had much to prove. What better proving ground than the Group of Death? And what better opening opponent than the Black Stars of Ghana. The match was a slugfest between two teams with a stout world soccer pedigree. CR7 would strike first with a pen. But Ghana would retaliate in the 73rd thanks to a poach courtesy of Jordan Ayew. A mere Five minutes later João Felix would break the deadlock after finishing off a gorgeous through ball in the 77th. Two minutes on and the reigning  Serie A MVP, Rafael Leão, would finish off the misery compiler with dagger in the 79th. Ghana would bring one back late but it proved too title too late. First blood to Portugal 3-2.  

Words by : @drew_near_post

Photo Cred: @richimpossible