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Ghana's Addo blames 'gift' Ronaldo penalty for Portugal defeat

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Ghana coach Otto Addo insisted Thursday that the spot-kick from which Cristiano Ronaldo's netted in his fifth World Cup was a "gift" following the Black Stars' defeat to Portugal.Ghana had been comfortably holding Portugal until referee Ismail Elfath gave a penalty for Mohammed Salisu's challenge on Ronaldo, and the ageing icon rammed home the opener from the spot in the 65th minute.Ghana went on to lose 3-2 following further goals from Joao Felix and rising star Rafael Leao, but asked who most contributed to his side's defeat, Addo said: "the referee"."We are very disappointed, especially when I see the penalty situation.

Up to that point we really had a good match," said Addo."I think it was a really wrong decision, we were playing the ball...

I don't know why VAR didn't come up, there is no explanation. Then it's difficult against a world class team when they're leading."If somebody scores a goal then congrats, but it was really a gift....

a special gift from the referee."Asked whether the penalty would have been given for another player other than Ronaldo on the brink of such an important record, Addo said: "You have to ask the referee"."I have no proof of that a different decision would have been made for someone else...

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