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Cristiano Ronaldo has been in the news for all the wrong reasons lately. The embattled Manchester United forward was released by the club this week amid his criticism of the club and manager Eric Ten Hag.
But, the striker had to move on, as he is leading Portugal into the 2022 FIFA World Cup for the fifth time in his career. In their opening match on Friday against Ghana, he was looking to make history and be the first to score in five World Cups. He got it done, but not without controversy.
Cristiano Ronaldo drew a controversial penalty and scored in
Ronaldo looked to have scored in the first half on this play, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul.
Ronaldo was not happy after this goal was called off 👀 pic.twitter.com/9q9pQgs26m
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 24, 2022
But, that call may have helped Cristiano Ronaldo score later. He drew a penalty on a ticky-tack call. Some think it was a flop, though.
PENALTY FOR PORTUGAL
Do you agree with the call? pic.twitter.com/ZYTaNTlnfE
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 24, 2022
Ronaldo scored the penalty, as he almost always does.
RONALDO MAKES HISTORY
With this goal, he becomes the first men's player to score in five different FIFA World Cup tournaments 🔥🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/PxWP4Z5z8o
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 24, 2022
He used his trademark celebration, too. But, later on, Ghanaian goalscorer Osman Bukari also hit the celebration.
The entire stadium hit SIUUUUU at the same time 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/T4nG6LQyST
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 24, 2022
Osman Bukari hit the SIUUU after scoring against Portugal 👀 pic.twitter.com/Xb0CVu1n4l
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 24, 2022
Twitter debates if Ronaldo deserved the penalty
There were lots of takes on whether it was a deserved penalty.
This popular account thinks it was not a deserved penalty, and that it was a flop by CR7.
No, that shouldn't have been given as a penalty, Ronaldo dived pic.twitter.com/cyMmke2Mcx
— Has the Referee or VAR made a good decision? (@PoorEPLreferees) November 24, 2022
Many more agree.
Fake penalty for Ronaldo and Portugal.
We have lost but just reminding everyone that there was a fake penalty in the World Cup to help Portugal and Ronaldo score.
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) November 24, 2022
Again VAR is a joke! Defender clearly takes the ball. What's going on with this World Cup last two days
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) November 24, 2022
Ronaldo diving for a penalty in a World Cup? That’s nasty business.
— Luis Paez-Pumar (@lppny) November 24, 2022
But, when you compare it to the goal Cristiano Ronaldo scored earlier that was ruled out due to a soft foul, I think it’s a penalty.
Portugal won 3-2.