CRISTIANO RONALDO was left paralysed with fear in the dying seconds of Portugal’s World Cup opener with Ghana.
The former Manchester United forward, 37, scored from the penalty spot to give his country the lead in the 65th minute.
Andre Ayew then levelled for Ghana, before Joao Felix and Rafael Leao seemed to put the game to bed for the Euro 2016 champions.
But Osman Bukari pulled one back for the Black Stars in the final moments of normal time, before a remarkable end left Ronaldo shell-shocked.
Portugal keeper Diogo Costa claimed the ball in the ninth minute of stoppage-time in what seemed to be the last action of the game.
All of the players ran out of the penalty area, but Inaki Williams sneakily remained behind Costa.
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And the Porto shot-stopper did not see the Athletic Bilbao forward as he threw the ball on the floor, with Williams stealing in to try and score.
Fortunately for Portugal, Williams slipped as he reached the ball and allowed Ruben Dias to get back and tackle him, before Danilo Pereira cleared it away to ensure they won the game 3-2.
And Ronaldo, whose Manchester United contract was terminated earlier this week, reacted in a thoroughly eye-catching way as he put his hand on his head and dropped his jaw in disbelief.
Reacting on social media, one person said: “They almost killed the old man LOL. Don’t do that, Diogo Costa.”
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Another added: “Ronaldo nearly died 😂😂😂. Diogo Costa, please.”
A third said: “Diogo Costa, you’ve just shaved five years off Ronaldo’s lifespan.”
And a fourth added: “Ronaldo was more shocked than when he got his Man Utd contract termination.”
Costa’s error did prove to be Ghana’s final opportunity of the game as Portugal sealed a dramatic first victory at this year’s World Cup.
Ronaldo also helped himself to another record during the game, becoming the first player to score in FIVE World Cups.
Next up for Fernando Santos’ side is a clash with Uruguay on Monday, before they face South Korea four days later.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
