Photos: Ronaldo finally scores, but Portugal crash out of World Cup

[caption id=“attachment_1591025” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] An own goal from John Boye gave Portugal the lead before Asamoah Gyan equalised for the Black Stars at the Brasilia national stadium in Brasilia. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1591015” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] The defender swiped at a 31st minute cross from Portuguese fullback Miguel Veloso which hit his knee and then the crossbar before nestling in the back of the net. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1591031” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan could hardly miss with a header after Kwadwo Asamaoh’s delicious cross with the outside of his left foot, making it 1-1. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1591017” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] The Ghanaians improved after the break and striker Asamoah Gyan headed them level at the back post after a brilliant cross with the outside of his foot by Kwadwo Asamoah in the 57th minute. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1591019” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] Ronaldo struck the bar in the first half and had two great chances in injury time, but glanced a close-range finish over the bar and then shot straight at Fatawu Dauda when one on one with the goalkeeper. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1591023” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] It was perhaps no surprise that Ghana delivered its most subdued display of the tournament, ensuring Ronaldo was given plenty of time and space to wreak havoc. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1591029” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] Ronaldo, lacking the usual mazy runs and skilful flicks and tricks, should have scored yet again but Dauda was on hand to parry the forward’s side footed effort from close range. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1591011” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] Ronaldo finally slammed home the winner at Estadio Nacional with his left foot in the 80th minute to break his drought in Brazil and give Portugal its first win. He barely celebrated, though, with the goal coming too late to help Portugal qualify at the expense of the Americans. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1591021” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] Portugal finished level on four points with second-place United States in Group G but with an inferior goal difference. Germany topped the group after beating the US 1-0 in Recife. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1591013” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] It was too little, too late from Ronaldo, who was downbeat as he trudged off the pitch after the final whistle. Reuters[/caption]