FIFA World Cup: All eyes will be on Ronaldo in the match between Portugal and Ghana

All eyes will be on star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, playing in his fifth and possibly final World Cup, when Portugal take on Ghana here on Thursday. The 37-year-old has been without a club since Tuesday after Manchester United terminated his contract. Ronaldo criticized United coach Erik ten Haag, the club owner and fellow players.

Ronaldo is currently without a team at the club level and his performance in the World Cup will play a vital role in deciding which team the legend will join in the future. Ronaldo, who was voted the best player of the year five times, has probably passed, but when he is in his color then no team can stand in front of him. Ronaldo had said before parting ways with United by mutual consent that his club’s issues would not affect him during Portugal’s World Cup campaign.

Ronaldo is yet to win the World Cup and winning the trophy for the first time will be his driving force in this World Cup. Also attracting a new club would be a bonus for them. Portugal face Ghana in the first match itself, which is the lowest-ranked team participating in the World Cup but is considered to be the dark horse. Ghana’s world ranking is 61. There are also teams capable of causing upsets in this group, such as Uruguay and South Korea.

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Also, Saudi Arabia beat Lionel Messi-led Argentina to send a message to the weaker teams that nothing is impossible in the World Cup and they can turn the tables on their day. Ghana have players like Thomas Partey and Mohamed Qudus who have done well for European clubs. Portugal will have to be careful with these players.