Former Super Eagles of Nigeria captain and coach Sunday Oliseh has backed Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty for Portugal in their 3-2 win against the Black Stars of Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sunday Oliseh praises 'smart' Ronaldo for winning penalty against Ghana
'That was genius' - FIFA Technical crew member Oliseh backs Ronaldo for a smart way to win a penalty against Ghana
Sunday Oliseh praises 'smart' Ronaldo for winning penalty against Ghana
Recommended articles
Ronaldo at the start of the second half went down after minimal contact from Mohammed Salisu to earn Portugal a penalty against Ghana.
The 37-year-old then stepped up to convert the spot kick and put Portugal in front. Ghana fought back but the game ended 3-2 in favor of Portugal with Ronaldo's goal proving to be pivotal.
The decision to award Ronaldo a penalty was branded dubious based on social media reactions after the game.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ghana boss Otto Addo was certain that the penalty was not deserved and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) should have checked for confirmation.
He said, "The referee gave a penalty which was not a penalty - everyone saw that. Why? Because it's Ronaldo or something? The referee was not in our favour."
Sunday Oliseh is at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
AFP
Oliseh on Ronaldo's penalty
Following the first round of group games, Oliseh gave his assessment of the penalty awarded to Ronaldo against Ghana.
ADVERTISEMENT
Oliseh is a member of the Fifa technical study group (TSG) along with former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
At a press briefing in Doha, Oliseh commended Ronaldo for his smartness to earn the penalty for his side.
He said, "Maybe the strikers are getting smarter.
"The Ronaldo penalty, people can say what they want about him, but the smartness to wait for that second, to touch the ball, continue his leg and then get the contact. That is total genius.
Oliseh backs Ronaldo for winning penalty against Ghana
Pulse Nigeria
ADVERTISEMENT
"Let's give strikers the compliment for getting smarter. VAR is also a major reason why this (more penalties being awarded) is happening. Referees can look at it three or four times."
Ghana has urged the world football governing body FIFA to take a look at the situation as they prepare for their next group game against South Korea scheduled for Monday, November 28, 2022.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh
Recommended articles
The Intersection of Enthusiasm: United Kingdom's local motorsports and Ghana's rising stars
Video: Watch Fatawu Issahaku’s hat trick in Leicester City’s win against Southampton
RTU suspends coach Abdulai Mumin over match-fixing allegations
Hearts of Oak are better off playing with an empty post than using Richard Attah – Taylor
Sorry for causing you a lot of pain – Dr. Prosper Ogum apologizes to Kotoko fans
Govt hasn't paid us – African Games gold medalist Winnifred Ntumi 'cries' out
Dumsor is part of the reasons why we lost against Legon Cities – Hearts of Oak coach
Black Stars midfielder Daniel Kofi Kyereh to miss rest of season due to injury
