FIFA World Cup 2014: Ronaldo aim off as Portugal ousted despite Ghana win
Ronaldo scores in final minutes to help his team to victory
Brasilia: Cristiano Ronaldo wasted a succession of glorious chances as Portugal bowed out of the World Cup on Thursday despite beating Ghana 2-1 in Brasilia.
Portugal knew only a win combined with a defeat for Germany or the United States in the other Group G fixture, plus a significant swing in goal difference, would take them through to the last 16.
Germany won the group by beating the US, who also qualified on goal difference over Portugal.Although Ronaldo netted his first goal of the tournament, the winner, it was his numerous misses that cost Portugal the sizeable victory they needed to make up for the 4-0 mauling they suffered by Germany in their first game.
Here is the full highlights of match between Portugal and Ghana video courtesy Mark Esters
Portugal had taken the lead through a John Boye own goal before Asamoah Gyan equalised. The Europeans broke the deadlock after half an hour with an own goal by the unfortunate Boye, who diverted a cross by Miguel Veloso off his knee and over despairing goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda.
The move that led to the goal started when the ball hit the referee in the middle of a promising-looking attack by Ghana, missing two of their star players after bust-ups with management.
The 29-year-old looked certain to score as he rose unmarked to meet a cross from seven yards out but headed straight at Dauda, who made an instinctive reaction parry. Moments later Portugal goalkeeper Beto kept a close-range shot from Gyan out with his legs as the action swung from end to end.
The Black Stars put pressure on Portugal after the break, with captain Gyan producing a shot from just outside the penalty area that skimmed narrowly wide.