BVB internationals: Otto Addo left frustrated after controversial penalty helps Portugal beat Ghana

Ghana head coach Otto Addo was left frustrated after a controversial penalty helped Portugal earn a 3-2 win over his side in their FIFA World Cup group stage opener.

Borussia Dortmund talent coach Otto Addo took charge of the Ghana national team in their FIFA World Cup group stage opener against Portugal on Thursday evening. Ghana put in a resilient performance but ultimately fell to a 3-2 defeat, with a controversial penalty proving to be one of the biggest talking points of the game.

With the scores level, Cristiano Ronaldo went down inside the box in the 63rd minute even though there was minimal contact between him and Ghana defender Mohammed Salisu. The referee awarded Portugal a penalty and there was no VAR check. The Portugal captain stepped up and converted from the spot to make it 1-0.

And Otto Addo voiced his frustration at the referee’s decision after the game.

"“It was really the wrong decision,” Otto Addo said. “We played the ball. I don’t know why VAR didn’t come up. There is no explanation for me… I don’t know whether they weren’t paying attention, whether the VAR wasn’t paying attention. If you look at the replay, it is unbelievable. We were playing the ball, it was a foul against us.”“If somebody scores a goal, congratulations. But this was really a gift. A special gift from the referee.”"

Ghana did manage to equalise eight minutes later through André Ayew, but quick-fire goals from João Félix and Rafael Leão helped Portugal restore their lead. A late goal from Osman Bukari gave Ghana hope of a late comeback, but Portugal managed to hang on for the win.

Borussia Dortmund left-back Raphael Guerreiro played 90 minutes for Portugal, who avoided a big scare to claim the all important three points. Portugal will go up against Uruguay on Monday in their next Group H game, and Ghana will face South Korea on the same day.