Cristiano Ronaldo’s strike from 12 yards on Thursday evening in Portugal’s 3-2 win over Ghana was a historic moment, becoming the first player to score at five separate editions of the World Cup.By simply featuring on Thursday night, the 37-year-old joined Lothar Matthaus (Germany), Antonio Carbajal (Mexico), Rafa Marquez (Mexico), Gianluigi Buffon(Italy), Andres Guardado (Mexico), together with Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico) and Lionel Messi (Argentina) who have made appearances in five different World Cups.As at the first match in the 2022 edition, the former Manchester United man had made played 18 matches, scoring seven goals in the process, all spread across the five editions he has been part of.But, do you know when and against who he scored these goals?A historic moment for a legendary player 👏#FIFAWorldCup | @Cristiano pic.twitter.com/YbpOoQHgPP— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 24, 2022 He made his first appearance at the big stage in the 2006 tournament in Germany aged only 21, scoring from the spot in the second round against Iran in Group D as Portugal won 2-0, sealing the win after Deco had scored the opener earlier in the second half.After England and Portugal played to a barren draw after extra time in the quarters, he scored the decisive penalty to send his side to the semis, with the likes of Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard seeing their penalties saved by Ricardo Alexandre.##NAJAVA_MECA_6843404##However, Portugal’s run was ended in the semis by France and they had to settle for a fourth-place finish after falling to Germany in the third-place playoffs.In the 2010 edition in South Africa, he managed one goal from the four matches Portugal played as they got knocked out in the Round of 16 by Spain, scoring in the 7-0 obliteration of North Korea in the Group stage.Portugal were eliminated from the 2014 competition in the group stage, and the same was reflected on Cristiano’s performance, scoring once in the 2-1 against Ghana.Otto Addo: A special gift to Portugal and Ronaldo from the refereeIt is at 33 years of age that the Portuguese forward banged more than one goal at the World Cup finals, scoring four in Russia in 2018 although they got eliminated at the Round of 16.The five-time Ballon d’Or started the campaign in Russia on a high, scoring a hattrick against Spain in their opening match and following it with the sole strike against Morocco as Portugal won 1-0. He would then see his second-half penalty in the last group match against Iran saved by Alireza Beiranvand.
