Cristiano Ronaldo showed his 'genius' in winning a controversial penalty for Portugal in their 3-2 win over Ghana on Thursday, according to a FIFA panel.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner went down under a challenge from Mohammed Salisu and Portugal were awarded a penalty, which Ronaldo converted himself to become the only man in history to net at five different World Cups.
Ronaldo's goal also broke the deadlock en route to a 3-2 win for the Portuguese, but the decision to award the spot-kick infuriated Ghana, with their coach Otto Addo describing it as a 'special gift' after the match.
But FIFA's Technical Study Group (TSG) saw it differently. During a media briefing in Qatar, they said the tournament was on course to see a record number of penalties.
And speaking about the way Ronaldo won his spot-kick against Ghana, former Colombia goalkeeper and TSG panel member Faryd Mondragon said: "Maybe the strikers are getting smarter?
"If you look at the penalty that Ronaldo got, people can say what they want about this man, but the smartness and the ingenious thought to just being patient and wait for that split second to touch the ball first before you, and continue my leg so that your contact will hit my leg.
"That is total genius."
Ronaldo has now scored eight goals at his five World Cups and he will be back in action as Portugal face Uruguay in Group H on Monday.
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