Ronaldo Fires Portugal Through

Penalty King
By Chris O'Brien
June 18 2006

Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot as Portugal secured a 2-0 win over Iran to book their place in the World Cup's round of sixteen. The day also saw a surprise win for Ghana over the Czech Republic, and the USA hold Italy to a 1-1 draw with only 9-men.

Tim Howard was an unused substitute as the United States of America got their World Cup campaign back on track with a hard-fought 1-1 draw with the Italians. The game was something of a bloodbath with three men sent-off, but the USA held on with only nine men to earn a valuable points which gives them a chance of securing a place in the knock-out stages.

The Azzuri looked on their way to another victory as Alberto Gilardino headed home an Andrea Pirlo free-kick on 22 minutes. However, Bruce Arena's men took only five minutes to equaliser when Cristian Zaccardo scuffed the ball into his own net.

From here, the card-happy Jorge Larrionda of Uruguay started dishing out early showers with Italy's Daniele De Rossi dismissed for a disgusting elbow to the face of a brave Brian McBride. Pablo Mastroeni was sent-off for a two-footed lunge on Pirlo moments before the break, and Eddie Pope was sent off on 47 minutes for a second bookable offence. It was chaos, but inspired by goalkeeper Kasey Keller, the spirited Americans held on for a point to keep their hopes of staying in Germany for the 'round of 16' alive.

It was a day which saw 'Group D' thrown wide open as Ghana secured a shock 2-0 win over the Czech Republic. Asamoah Gyan fired the Africans in front after only 70 minutes, with Sulley Muntari netting a late goal to put the game beyond doubt. Tomas Ujfalusi was sent-off just after the hour-mark for the Czechs, who had goalkeeper Peter Cech to thank for keeping the gap to just two goals. The result means all four teams still have a chance of qualification, with Ghana facing the US in their final game.

The early kick-off saw Cristiano Ronaldo score from the penalty-spot as Portugal made hard-work of Iran. Barcelona's attacking star Deco finally broke the deadlock on 63 minutes, before Ronaldo put the result beyond doubt on 81 minutes after Luis Figo was brought down in the penalty-box. It's been a tough year for the Manchester United star, and his delight at finding the net was clear to see as the Portuguese booked their place in the knock-out rounds and secured an early exit for Iran.