World Cup PHOTOS: Ronaldo shines but Portugal bow out despite win

Cristiano Ronaldo hit his first goal of the 2014 World Cup to lift Portugal to a 2-1 victory over Ghana in Brasilia but both sides bowed out of the tournament as Germany and USA advanced to the last 16.

Portugal finished level on four points with the United States in Group G but the Americans advanced to the last 16 courtesy of a better goal difference despite their 1-0 loss to group winners Germany in Recife.

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Ronaldo should have opened the scoring in the 19th minute but his close range header was well parried by Ghana goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda, with the keeper also repelling a long range free-kick from the Real Madrid man seven minutes earlier.

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Portugal were lucky to take the lead in the first half courtesy of John Boye.

The defender swiped at a 31st minute cross from Portuguese fullback Miguel Veloso which hit his knee and then the crossbar before nestling in the back of the net.

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The Ghanaians improved after the break and striker Asamoah Gyan headed them level at the back post after a brilliant cross with the outside of his foot by Kwadwo Asamoah in the 57th minute.

Gyan then turned provider, putting in another ball from the left for an unmarked Abdul Majeed Waris moments later but the striker could only steer his header wide from six yards out. 

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Portugal skipper and World Player-of-the-Year Ronaldo smashed his side ahead in the 80th minute after Ghana goalkeeper Dauda flapped at a high ball, sending it straight to the Real Madrid forward. 

This was Ronaldo's 50th goal for his country.

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Ronaldo should have had another minutes later but Dauda was on hand to parry the forward's side footed effort from close range, with the keeper also blocking an effort from the skipper in the dying stages.

The World Player of the Year missed three great chances which would have sent the Europeans through at the expense of the US on goals scored.

"We created a lot of chances we didn't convert all of them, we needed three goals and we were depending on the Germany result. It wasn't possible," Ronaldo said after the match.

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