SEETHING Ghana boss Otto Addo blamed “special gifts from the referees” for a landmark Cristiano Ronaldo goal.
Addo reacted sarcastically after Ronaldo become the only player to ever score at five World Cups as Portugal sneaked a dramatic 3-2 win.
The German-born Ghanaian was unhappy at ref Ismail Elfath failing to book any Portugal players and for giving Ron a penalty that the legend dispatched for a second-half opener.
Ghana’s Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu got the merest of touches on the heel of the Manchester United discard.
But Ron’s resulting tumble convinced ref Ismail Elfath to intervene.
The ex-Real Madrid and Juventus striker, 37, smashed home the spot-kick to spark a thrilling final 25 minutes that Portugal just edged.
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Addo said: “We could have won a point. Our yellows were all well shown, but there were players from Portugal who should have seen it too.
“When they scored, everything changed and I think the referee didn’t make the right decision on the penalty kick. “
And of Ronaldo’s historic strike, he said: “If someone scores a goal, congratulations. Congratulations… With special gifts from the referees.”
Addo also claimed Ghana were unfortunate to lose this nervy clash against Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Co.
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He said: “Clearly disappointing. Possession was Portugal’s, we knew they were good at that, but we were good at defending.
“Of course we (still) have a chance (of qualifying).
“We want to beat Korea and we want Portugal to beat Uruguay, so we can still think about being second.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
