Ronaldo sideshow won’t affect Portugal, says Ghana captain Ayew

23 November 2022 - 17:31 By Reuters
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Ghana captain Andre Ayew attends a press conference at Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha, Qatar on November 23 2022. Ghana face Portugal in their World Cup Group H match November 24.
Ghana captain Andre Ayew attends a press conference at Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha, Qatar on November 23 2022. Ghana face Portugal in their World Cup Group H match November 24.
Image: EPA/Ali Haider/Backpagepix

Ghana captain André Ayew does not believe Cristiano Ronaldo's messy exit from Manchester United will affect their World Cup Group H opener against Portugal as he urged his side to be “brave” in their clash at Stadium 974 on Thursday (6pm SA time).

Ronaldo announced he had parted ways with the Old Trafford club by mutual consent on Tuesday after scathing public comments he had made towards the United hierarchy and coach Erik ten Hag.

However, Ayew said this should not be a distraction for Portugal.

“It is not our problem what is happening within the Portuguese team,” the 32-year-old national midfield stalwart who turns out for Al Sadd in Qatar said on Wednesday.

“They are all great professionals playing at top teams and they will be ready for the World Cup, whatever else is happening.”

Tunisia and Morocco have already managed to hold more fancied European opposition at this World Cup and Ayew said there was no reason Ghana cannot do the same or better.

“Portugal are favourites on paper. But we have to show that what happens on the pitch is more important. We are playing a big side with top players, but we believe in ourselves and will make it difficult for them.

“When you are playing the first game of a tournament it is never the decisive one. Whatever happens, you still have a chance to go through.

“The first game is one where you can go for it and be brave. It would be a great bonus for us to get something [from the match].”

Ayew and brother Jordan are the only survivors from the Ghana side that lost 2-1 to Portugal in their final group stage clash in 2014, when Ronaldo scored the winner 10 minutes from full time.

“The two teams have changed a lot since then. It is a different game — when we played them in 2014 we had to win by two goals to advance,” Ayew said.

“It is not the same game or moment — it is completely different. Every game has its own realities and we will try to give them a tough time.

“We all know in these big tournaments there are surprises that can happen, we just need to be ready. I don’t feel anyone is stressed or has anxiety before the game.

“I am sure when the game comes there will be pressure — if you don't feel it, you are not human.”

* All the World Cup groups, fixtures and results here

* All the World Cup groups profiled here

* All the World Cup stadiums here


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