Former Nigeria Captain Sunday Oliseh Describes Ronaldo as a Genius For Winning a Penalty Against Ghana

• Nigeria legend Sunday Oliseh believes Cristiano Ronaldo is a genius for winning a penalty against Ghana
• The Portugal forward was awarded a controversial penalty during the World Cup Group H opener last Thursday
• The Black Stars suffered a 3-2 defeat to the 2016 European champions and will face South Korea in their second game

Sunday Oliseh insists Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was clever after forcing a contact against Mohammed Salisu to win a penalty during the game between the former European champions and Ghana.

Ronaldo appeared to have positioned himself in a way that made in difficult for Salisu to avoid contact despite poking the ball away from the ex-Manchester United forward.

American referee Ismail Elfath awarded Portugal a contentious penalty which was converted by Ronaldo.

Oliseh, a former captain of the Super Eagles and a member of the FIFA technical team, claims the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is a genius getting a penalty out of the situation with Salisu.

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"Maybe the strikers are getting smarter?" Oliseh said in a briefing in Doha as quoted by Eurosport. "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," he added.

"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 ended up losing the game 3-2 and will next face South Korea in their second group game on Monday.

Retired referee Mike Dean shocked by Ronaldo penalty

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that former English Premier League referee Mike Dean has reacted to officiating in the Ghana versus Portugal game at the World Cup in Qatar.

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The retired referee is surprised referee Ismail Elfath could not check VAR for Cristiano Ronaldo's controversial penalty.

In his analysis on TV, Dean felt the officials in the Video Assistant Referee room should have drawn the attention of the American referee.

Portugal beat Ghana in World Cup opener

Five second-half goals ensured Portugal beat Ghana in their opening Group H game at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored in his fifth World Cup, and Joao Felix and Rafael Leao also netted for the Europeans, while Ghana reduced the deficit through Andre Ayew and Osman Bukari.

Portugal began the game dominating possession, winning a corner kick after just three minutes, but the set piece was well-defended by the Black Stars.