Luka Modrić shines as Ronaldo duel headlines World Cup clash

Luka Modrić starred as Portugal beat Ghana 3-2 in a pulsating 2022 World Cup clash on 24 November 2022.

Portugal edged past Ghana in a seven-goal thriller at Stadium 974 in Doha. Modrić controlled the tempo from midfield, spraying passes and dictating play as Portugal twice fought back from behind. Bruno Fernandes and Rafael Leão struck twice in the first half, but Ghana clawed back through André Ayew and Mohammed Kudus. Joao Félix sealed it in stoppage time.

Cristiano Ronaldo started on the bench and came off with eight minutes left. Modrić, meanwhile, played the full 90 minutes and completed 92% of his passes. Ronaldo’s late cameo saw him hit the post from a free-kick, while Modrić’s vision set up two of Portugal’s goals.

The win kept Portugal unbeaten in Qatar and showed Modrić’s enduring class at 37. His performance underlined why he remains the heartbeat of Portugal’s golden generation. The duel with Ronaldo-two Ballon d’Or winners-added extra spice to a group-stage thriller.

Portugal advanced to the Round of 16 as group winners. Their next test came against Switzerland on 6 December 2022. Modrić’s side will look to grind out results as the knockout stages loom.