Good afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for this crucial World Cup Group G clash between Portugal and Ghana in Brasilia. The exact importance of today's meeting will rely on events elsewhere as Germany take on USA, with a draw in that game making this result academic. Both of these sides still have a chance of making the last 16, however, and we are expecting an open and entertaining encounter. Let's start with a look at the two teams on show today...

TEAM NEWS: As always, the eyes are immediately drawn to whether Cristiano Ronaldo is playing for Portugal, and as expected he once again starts the game despite the ongoing concerns over his fitness. Elsewhere for Portugal, Pepe returns from suspension, William Carvalho comes into the starting lineup and Eder fills in up front. Ghana, meanwhile, have been forced into a couple of changes after Muntari and Boateng were sent home earlier - more on that later. Full team news for both sides coming right up...

PORTUGAL STARTING XI: Beto; Amorim, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Pereira; Veloso, Carvalho, Moutinho; Eder, Nani, Ronaldo

GHANA STARTING XI: Dauda; Gyan, Atsu, Agyemang Badu, A. Ayew, Rabiu, Waris, Mensah, Asamoah, Boye, Afful

So, what can we make of those two teams? Well, as far as Portugal are concerned, the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of their biggest talking points of the World Cup. He continues to struggle with tendonitis in his knee, but is considered far too valuable to leave out. They need a big swing in goal difference to stand any chance of going through, and Ronaldo is the only man in their squad capable of supplying that.

Having said that, it is clear that he is short of full fitness in this tournament. He has not affected games like he usually does, and the first glimpse of his true class that we saw came with virtually the last kick of the match against USA as he delivered the cross that led to the equalising goal. He will be 33 by the time the next World Cup rolls around, so this could well be his last chance to shine in his prime on the grandest stage - something he will want to do even more with Lionel Messi lighting up the tournament.

The Real Madrid man was almost single-handedly responsible for dragging his side to the finals, and he has an impressive 11 goals in his last 10 outings for Portugal. However, none of those have come in his last three appearances, while he only has two World Cup goals to his name despite having 62 shots in the tournament. He only touched the ball once in the opposition area against Germany and will need a bigger impact today if Portugal are to pull off the great escape.

Elsewhere in the Portugal side, they will be boosted by the return of Pepe from suspension - as long as he does show the same petulance and stupidity that resulting in him being sent off in the disastrous opening game against Germany. Eder starts up front following the injury to Postiga, while Carvalho also starts having impressed off the bench against USA. Andre Almeida is also injured, so Amorim comes into the defence as they look to solve their troublesome left-back slot.

Ghana, meanwhile, have been forced into a couple of changes with Boateng and Muntari being sent home in disgrace after an altercation with team staff in training. They have been banned from international duty indefinitely, and it seems unlikely at this point that they will ever play for their country again. It has certainly weakened their side as they are two of their most important players, but Kwesi Appiah sounds like he had good reason for taking such extreme measures with the duo.

Incidentally, Muntari would have been suspended for today's game anyway having picked up two yellow cards in the opening two games. The only other enforced absentee for the Black Stars is Opare, who misses out through injury. Once again Jordan Ayew misses out on a place in the starting XI, although his brother Andre does play having scored a fine header against Germany last time out.

The other Ghanaian name on the scoresheet in that match against Germany was Asamoah Gyan, and he is without a doubt the Black Stars' most important player - even more so now that Muntari and Boateng are out of the equation. He took his goal against the Germans really well, becoming the joint-highest scoring African in World Cup history in the process. He equalled the mark set by the legendary Roger Milla on that occasion, and could overtake the Cameroonian today. Another record he will equal here is the most appearances in a World Cup by an African player. This will be his 11th outing at the finals, equalling Francois Omam Biyik's tally.

Gyan's importance to the team cannot really be understated. He has been their standout performer in most of the World Cup games that they have ever played, and will be key to their hopes of progressing from Group G this year. He was their top scorer in qualifying with six goals and has had a direct hand in eight of the 12 goals they have scored at the World Cup finals, adding three assists to the five he has netted himself.

If Portugal are to progress then they will need to handle Gyan, and the return of Pepe could help them do that. The Madrid man got himself sent off in the opening match against the Germans, turning Portugal's task from hard to impossible with one ill-judged thrust of his head. It really was a disastrous way to open their World Cup campaign as they conceded four goals, had a man sent off and picked up a number of injuries.

It is worth noting that Germany were ahead and comfortable in the match before Pepe's red card, but the defender simply gave his side no chance of recovering with his dismissal. That repercussions of that result are still being felt in this match, as it leaves Portugal needing a substantial goal swing to progress to the second round. The ideal scenario for Paulo Bento's side would be for Germany to beat USA by two and they beat Ghana by three.

Progress to the last 16 is, then, out of their hands. However, they still have that tiny glimmer of hope thanks to the most dramatic of late equalisers against USA on Sunday as Silvestre Varela nodded home with virtually the last action of the match. The strike came in the 95th minute and is the latest regulation goal in World Cup history, keeping Portugal's World Cup dreams just about alive.

They relied on some big drama to even reach the finals, with Ronaldo inspiring his side to a playoff victory over Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Sweden. Ronaldo scored all four of his side's goals in a 4-2 aggregate victory after Portugal had finished second in their qualifying group, one point behind Fabio Capello's Russia.

Despite their struggles getting to Brazil, they came into this tournament in fine form. The defeat to Germany is the only one in their last 10 matches, while Brazil are the only other team to beat them in their last 17 outings. They won two and drew one of their World Cup warm-up matches, including an emphatic 5-1 victory over Republic of Ireland.

However, for all of their solid build-up, things have certainly not gone to plan in Brazil so far. The 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Germany is their heaviest World Cup defeat ever, and the first time that they have conceded four goals in the competition. They have now only won one of their last nine matches at the World Cup, failing to score in six of those. They partially made up for that lack of goals in their solitary victory, however, thrashing North Korea 7-0 four years ago.

Incidentally, the draw with the USA was the first time that they had ever failed to win a World Cup match having taken the lead - and they were just seconds away from a defeat. They once again didn't play well in that match, but their passing accuracy of 88.1% is their highest in a World Cup match since record began in 1966.

One things is for sure - the gap between the two teams on show today is a lot smaller than the FIFA rankings suggest, Portugal are generously ranked as the fourth best side in the world, while Ghana are 33 places below in 37th. The African side showed that they can compete with the best during their magnificent 2-2 draw with Germany in their last outing, however, putting in a superb second-half display in what was one of the games of the tournament so far.

But for Klose's poaching instincts, they could well have had all three points as well. They led the Germans 2-1 thanks to goals from Ayew and Gyan, and their attacking style was much more like the Ghana of 2010 than the team we saw against USA in their opening match of this World Cup. They did, of course, reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup four years ago, only to be knocked out by the ever-controversial Luis Suarez and a missed penalty in the dying seconds of extra time.

A huge effort will be needed to repeat that feat this year, with the next step arguably the most daunting ahead of them. However, they are better placed to progress than Portugal as things stand, with just two goals separating them from second-placed USA. Should Germany beat USA 1-0 and Ghana also win 1-0, the Black Stars would be identical on points, goals scored, goals conceded and goal difference with USA. In that scenario, it would come down to head-to-head, which would see USA through. Ghana, therefore, need to make sure they either have a better goal difference or more goals scored that the Americans should the two teams end level on points.

They haven't exactly been in awe-inspiring form recently, however. They have now only won one of their last seven matches, excluding penalties, drawing three and losing three. They did reach the African Nations Cup final earlier this year, but that ended in disappointment as they lost to Libya on penalties following a goalless draw.

Matters off the field have been even worse, with the build-up to tonight's match being marred with bizarre events from the Ghanaian camp. In addition to Muntari and Boateng being sent home and suspended indefinitely, there has been a row over bonus payment, resulting in a plane carrying $3m in cash being flown over to Brazil to satisfy the players. As if that wasn't enough, the president of the Ghanaian FA has been accused of match fixing, although none of the World Cup games are thought to have been targeted.

Whether that will have an impact on things on the field remains to be seen, but this Ghana squad showed against Germany that they can play care-free, free-flowing football, and hopefully we will see more of the same today. They have the youngest squad at this World Cup for the second consecutive tournament, and they are coming up against the fourth-oldest in Portugal. Ghana also seem to release their shackles when playing at the World Cup, which is great for neutrals but does leave them a little more exposed at the back. They kept seven clean sheets in their 10 outings before the World Cup, but have conceded four in their two matches at this tournament and are now without a clean sheet in six World Cup outings.

Ghana do have a proud record at the World Cup, despite being relative newcomers. Indeed, they are one of only four teams to have participated in more than one World Cup who have never been eliminated in the group stages. Netherlands, Germany and Republic of Ireland are the other three, and Ghana will need a favour from the Germans today if they are to keep their place in that exclusive club.

PREDICTION: Right, we are 10 minutes from kickoff in the Brazilian capital, so it is time for a match prediction! Both sides have no option but to win this game today, and in order to progress they also could do with winning it by a few goals. Both teams also like to play open, counter-attacking football, so I am expecting a really entertaining encounter with plenty of goals. It really could go either way, but I'm going to plump for another 2-2 draw.

This is a step into the unknown for both sides as it is the first time that they have ever come up against each other. It really is an intriguing match and will perhaps be the best chance we get at this World Cup to see Portugal playing to their main strength of quick breaks. Ghana love to pour forward and will pose Portugal's defence plenty of problems but, with Ronaldo at the other end, Portugal are capable of anything.

Even if either side holds up their end of the bargain tonight, there is no guaranteeing that it will be enough to see them through to the last 16. A draw between Germany and USA in Recife would eliminate both Ghana and Portugal regardless of events here, but that shouldn't stop them going for the victory. The ideal scenario for both in Recife is a big German victory.

Speaking of that match in Recife, you can follow live coverage of the game with us on Sports Mole. I will also be keeping you up to date with major events from there, and what impact they will have on both Portugal and Ghana.

Right, all the pre-match niceties have been observed and we're just about ready to go ahead of what should be a cracking game here in the Brazilian capital. We have been treated to a superb World Cup so far, and I have a feeling that this one will be another special encounter.

KICKOFF: Portugal get us underway here as they look for the goals they need to give them a chance of getting through.

It is Veloso who is filling in at left-back for Portugal, as he did in the second half against USA. He struggled against Fabian Johnson on that occasion, so that could be a potential weak spot for Ghana to exploit here.

OFF THE BAR! Oh almost a magnificent way to start this match. Ronaldo comes down the right wing and looks up to spot the keeper off his line. He goes for goal from an impossible angle, only for the ball to come off the crossbar with the keeper beaten. He was in a crossing position, but for me that was an intentional shot. Incredible effort.

That is more like the Ronaldo we are used to seeing! It was the sort of shot that only a handful of players in world football would even think to try, yet alone have the ability to pull off. Portugal have started brightly here.

Moutinho goes flying into a challenge on Agyemang-Badu and, in truth, he is lucky to get away without a booking. It was a poor tackle and, later in the game, he would surely be going into the book for it.

Risky play from Dauda! He comes out of his goal when he really doesn't need to and almost gets caught out by the bounce. In the end he chests it down and just about gets it clear before Eder can close him down. At the other end, Alves does well to clear Afful's low ball into the box.

SAVE! Portugal win a free kick in a very promising position, and unsurprisingly Ronaldo's familiar pose is standing over it. He gets it over the wall and back down with a good strike, but the keeper is there to push it away.

It is Portugal who look more eager to get forward and attack the opposition defence at the moment. They need goals as well as the win if they are to go through, so it is perhaps understandable why they are looking more dangerous, but Ghana also need the win and they haven't shown too much attacking intent so far.

Moutinho dives into another challenge and catches his man on the ankle with a nasty one. Once again, the ref opts against showing a yellow card, and Moutinho can consider himself very fortunate. That is two challenges worthy of a booking that he has made already.

There have been a couple of overhit passes from Portugal so far, which is wasting a number of good positions.

WHAT A SAVE! Oh my word, you would have put your house on Ronaldo scoring there! Pereira swings a fine ball into the area for the Madrid striker, who peels off his man and rises to nod towards goal from close range. However, Dauda makes a sensational stop to deny Ronaldo, and then celebrates it like he has just scored a goal! It could well prove to be as important as a goal.

CHANCE! Big chance at the other end here as Gyan shows good strength to hold off Pepe and latch on to a long ball forward inside the box. His first touch is good and the second is a low drive towards goal, but Beto makes a very impressive save with his feet. Both keepers on form within the space of a minute.

This game has really started to heat up here! In truth, Ronaldo should have scored his chance as he was in plenty of space and got a good connection on the ball, but you can't begrudge Dauda the save. He was certainly happy with himself!

CHANCE! Another decent chance for Ghana as a free kick is floated towards the back post, where Gyan is waiting. He does really well to win the ball and direct a header goalwards, but it is a fairly routine stop for Beto.

Moutinho blocks an attempted clearance, which sees the ball break to Ronaldo is a good area. He immediately looks to break away but is brought down from behind to earn a free kick around 35 yards from goal. Portugal take it quickly, but Nani wastes it by overhitting a cross.

Nice football from Portugal as they play the ball upfield to Ronaldo. He has the chance to run at two defenders, but just seems to lose control of the ball for a moment and then has to wait for support. Veloso is the man to provide it, but his cross is plucked out of the air by Dauda.

Nice play from Ayew as he cuts inside and beats a couple of men before looking for Atsu on the left. However, the ball comes off the referee, preventing Atsu from finding space. Too close the the action there!

Just seconds after the referee blocked a Ghanaian pass in a good position, Portugal take the lead! It is so cruel on Boye, who horribly sliced a Veloso delivery past his own keeper, off the woodwork and in. The ball bounced just too high for the defender, and it skewed off his knee and in.

SAVE! Portugal have their tails up now and they almost make it two in as many minutes here. Ronaldo picks the ball up on the edge of the area and works space to shoot on his right, but Dauda gets down well to make the save.

CLOSE! Portugal really have been buoyed by that goal. They come forward down the left again, with Nani slipped a pass to Amorim. He cuts onto his right before looking to drag a shot into the bottom near corner, but he only succeeds in putting it into the side-netting.

CHANCE! Decent opening at the other end as Ghana comes down the left with Atsu, who swings the ball into the box. Gyan shows great movement to lose his marker and get to the ball first, but he can't get enough on his header to test Beto.

Ghana have just steadied the ship a little here after Portugal looked like they were going to add a quickfire second. The Africans are once again looking a little more threatening in attack and, crucially more solid at the back.

YELLOW CARD! Finally we have the first card of the game, and it goes to Afful for a poor challenge from behind on Ronaldo.

SHOT! Atsu is becoming more and more involved in the game on the left flank now. He cuts inside Pereira to get into a good shooting position in the box, but curls his effort a couple of yards wide of the far post.

Really good tackle from Mensah as he dives in to steal the ball from Eder. It was a heavy one, but he got the ball and the referee rightly allows play to continue. Mensah has provided one or two moments of really good defending so far today.

Hint of a penalty shout for Ghana as Gyan gets to the ball before Alves in the area before going down under his challenge as both looked to change direction and reach the second ball. Alves did have a hand on Gyan's shoulder, but the ref is right to wave away the muted claims.

Wasteful from Nani as Eder just about gets the ball back to him from a long ball forward. The United winger only has one thought in his mind as he looks to shoot from 25 yards, but he blazes his effort a long way over the top.

Boye almost has another shocker here! Nani is the man to put the ball into the box this time and again Boye swings his leg at it, slicing it over the top of his own bar. That could have easily been a second own goal. Meanwhile, the fourth official shows one minute of added time.

The referee calls an end to proceedings in this first half, and it is something that Portugal aren't happy with as they had a throw-in in an attacking position that they were not allowed to take. Still, despite looking like the more disgruntled of the two teams as they walk off, it is they who take the lead into the break. As things stand, that is irrelevant in terms of the whole outlook of Group G, however, as Germany and USA are still drawing 0-0, a scoreline which puts those two teams through.

The Portuguese goal came from a Ghanaian player as John Boye sliced the ball past his own keeper and into the net. The mistake came when trying to clear a Veloso cross, with the ball skewing off his knee and hitting the bar and post before going over the line. It was unfortunate for the defender, although he could have perhaps set himself better as he went for the clearance.

Aside from that, we have had plenty of goalmouth action in an entertaining opening 45 minutes. The best chance of the half fell to the man Portugal would have wanted as Pereira picked up Ronaldo with a cross. The Real Madrid striker was unmarked in the area and rose to meet the delivery, but his header was straight at Dauda, who made a fine save to deny Ronaldo from close range. The celebrations after the stop were great to see as the keeper reacted like he had just scored the goal that sent his side through to the last 16!

Ronaldo came even closer to finally getting his third World Cup goal and first of the 2014 tournament in the opening exchanges with an audacious effort from the right wing that beat the keeper but came back off the bar. If almost anyone else had done what he did, you'd assume it was a poor cross that almost snuck in, but Ronaldo actually looked up before he tried it and it appeared to be a deliberate shot. It was a superb effort and would probably have been goal of the tournament had it been a few inches lower.

Ghana's best chance also fell to the man they'd hope as Gyan took down a long ball forward before holding off Pepe and squeezing a shot away from inside the box. Beto made a vital stop with his feet however, matching the important save Dauda had made from Ronaldo moments earlier. That aside, it has been a fairly quiet half for the Portugal keeper, who has only made a routine save to deny a Gyan header other than that.

Portugal came close on a couple of occasions in the immediate aftermath of their opening goal as they looked for a second in quick succession. Ronaldo first tested Dauda with a low strike from the edge of the box, while Amorim also came close with an effort that struck the side-netting. They will need to be even more attacking in the second half, however, as they still need a five-goal swing to stand any chance of progressing into the last 16.

As things stand, however, events here are academic as Germany and USA are still drawing. Should that remain the same then both Portugal and Ghana will be eliminated. However, a German goal would change all of that and give both sides a chance to progress on goal difference. Even a USA goal could change things, although that would make things a lot harder for both teams in terms of goal difference.

KICKOFF: Ghana get us back underway in Brasilia as they look to overturn this one-goal deficit to give themselves some hope of progressing. Portugal, meanwhile, need more goals, so we are set for an entertaining half.

Slick counter from Portugal as Moutinho picks the ball up before looking for Ronaldo. He then feints to shoot before slipping in Amorim, who slides it back for Nani. However, the United winger's powerful low strike from 25 yards is deflected over the bar for a corner.

Portugal are doing their best to give Gyan absolutely no space, which is making it hard for the striker to have his usual impact on the match. Pepe, Alves and Carvalho had adopted a no-nonsense approach to dealing with him so far and, while Gyan has coped well with the physical side of it, it makes things a lot tougher for him.

CLOSE! Just as I say that, Gyan escapes the attentions of the defence, cutting inside before drilling a powerful effort towards the bottom corner. Beto has left his near post quite open, but the ball ripples the side-netting on its way behind, with the Portugal keeper worried.

Atsu has now switched back onto the right flank for Ghana for the start of this second half. He started to get more joy on the left as the first half progressed, and he will fancy his chances against the makeshift left-back Veloso.

Ominous signs for Ghana here as Portugal are starting to play some free-flowing football. The passes are finding their man now and Ghana's defence are struggling to deal with it when Ronaldo and Nani get going.

YELLOW CARD! Majeed Waris becomes the second name in the book today for a poor challenge on Pepe. He can have no complaints there.

Asamoah hasn't had the best of tournaments from left-back, but this is sublime. He pings a delicious cross into the box with the outside of his left foot, and Gyan gets away from his man to nod home at the back post. Ghana's World Cup hopes take a huge boost and, in the process, Gyan becomes the highest scoring African player in the history of the tournament, overtaking Roger Milla.

UPDATE: Good news for both of these sides as Germany have taken the lead against USA through, wouldn't you know it, Thomas Muller. That makes things very interesting should Ghana get another goal, while Portugal may be in with a chance should Germany get one or two more in Recife.

CHANCE! Huge chance for Ghana for take the lead! Gyan works space on the left to put the ball into the box for Waris at the back post, but he can only put his header wide when he really should have scored. That is bordering on a sitter. Massive chance, and potentially a massive moment in Ghana's World Cup.

PORTUGAL SUB: The first change of the day sees Pereira replaced by Silvestre Varela, who is the player who scored that late goal against USA. That is an attacking change from Paulo Bento.

It is no surprise that Gyan has been at the heart of every threatening thing Ghana have done here. He is so important to the team and the achievement of becoming the highest scoring African player of all time is one that he should be rightly proud of. Can he prove to be the hero once more and get his side a win in this match?

Another muted penalty shout for Ghana as Waris gets his body in between Pepe and the ball. However, Pepe does really well to still get a toe on the ball and poke it clear as it would have been a penalty had he missed it. Atsu eventually picks the loose ball up, but his shot is way off target.

SHOT! Ghana have a free kick in a good position, but Atsu's delivery is really poor and cleared by the first man. It comes out to Asamoah, who drives a low strike a few yards wide from the edge of the area.

SHOT! At the other end Varela is given space to drive into, cutting inside from the left flank before drilling a long-range effort over the crossbar. Not a bad effort, but it was never troubling Dauda.

PORTUGAL SUB: Another change from Paulo Bento as Vieirinha comes on for Eder, who hasn't had much of an impact on this game.

GHANA SUB: Ghana also make a change as Jordan Ayew comes on in place of Majeed Waris, who missed that golden chance a short while ago.

A penalty shout for Portugal this time as Ronaldo plays a lovely one-two with Moutinho before driving down the left flank. He gets into the box before going shoulder to shoulder with Boye, who bumps him to the floor before knocking it out for a corner. It certainly wasn't a dive from Ronaldo, but I think the referee got that one right.

These sides have 15 minutes left to save their World Cup campaigns here. Portugal's hopes may have gone now with an unrealistic goal swing needed, but Ghana are still in with a real chance if they can get another goal.

Good movement from Gyan again to get onto the end of a cross, but this time he plants his effort some way wide of the post.

GHANA SUB: Another change for Ghana as Afriyie Acquah replaces Rabiu for the final quarter of an hour.

YELLOW CARD! Jordan Ayew goes into the book for a swinging arm of Carvalho, who was pulling his shots all over the place. The referee, strangely, awards the free kick to Ghana but then books Ayew for his reaction. That could well have been a red card, but this ref has been very lenient all game.

Good chance for Ghana to come forward again as they have numbers on the break. Jordan Ayew spots Gyan at the back post and looks to shape his cross towards him, but he puts too much on it and it goes behind for a goal kick.

Ronaldo finally opens his 2014 World Cup account to give Portugal the lead once more. It is poor from Mensah, who heads the ball high into the air, making it tough for the keeper. However, Dauda should still do better under his bar as he flaps at it, only pushing it as far as Ronaldo, who drills it into the bottom corner from eight yards.

CLOSE! Wakaso has just come on as a sub in place of Andre Ayew, and he almost makes an incredible impact here. He picks the ball up around 35 yards from goal before carrying it a bit and drilling a shot narrowly wide. Beto was at full stretch - he was worried!

CHANCE! Huge chance for Ronaldo to double his tally! The ball comes back to him in the area once more after he was involved in some nice build-up play down the left, but his effort is palmed away by Dauda, who makes another good stop. Ronaldo probably should have scored, though.

SAVE! This is very open right now. Portugal come forward again as Varela cuts inside and has a dig, but it is straightforward for Dauda, who makes a comfortable stop.

A quick word on Ronaldo, who has now become the first ever Portuguese player to score in three consecutive World Cups. It is also his 50th international goal, which is a landmark well worth celebrating. He hasn't had the best of tournaments, but that is a happy ending for Ronaldo.

SAVE! Beto is really struggling with a hip injury at the moment, but he is refusing to go off and just about gets down to save a rather tame Gyan effort. He is in obvious pain here, and it would be a surprise if he is able to continue.

PORTUGAL SUB: Indeed, he can't carry on as Eduardo comes on for Beto, who is visibly upset at having to come off. He wanted to continue, but he was not moving well at all.

The fourth official indicates a minimum of four minutes added time as Ghana skew another attempted clearance over the bar. Meanwhile, Beto is in floods of tears on the bench having come off.

CHANCE! Another huge chance for Ronaldo as Nani whips a fine delivery into the near post, where the Real Madrid man has got in front of his marker. However, he lifts the ball over the bar when he looked certain to score.

SAVE! Cracking save from Dauda as he denies Ronaldo yet again, this time with his feet. The ball was lifted through to Ronaldo, who only had the keeper to beat, but it was a good stop. Ronaldo has had enough chances to have given Portugal the goals needed to progress here!

YELLOW CARD! Moutinho finally gets his name into the book for the most cynical trip who will ever see on Gyan. He was fortunate not to be cautioned twice in the first half, and all in all he probably shouldn't even be on the field any more.

SHOT! Gyan has a late chance to rescue a draw as he lines up the resulting free kick, but he curls his effort over the top.

The referee brings an end to an entertaining clash in Brasilia as both Ghana and Portugal fail to get the result needed to stay in the World Cup. Germany did them both a favour by beating USA, but Portugal couldn't win by enough goals, while Ghana end their campaign bottom of the group and are eliminated in the first round of a World Cup for the first time in their history. Ronaldo got the winning goal after Gyan had cancelled out John Boye's opening own goal, but in the end it is misery and disappointment for both sides at the final whistle.

Right, that is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for another entertaining match at the 2014 World Cup as Portugal and Ghana are both eliminated despite the former picking up their first win of the tournament. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and ratings, which will be on site shortly. The live action keeps on coming with the conclusion of the group stages tonight, and SM once more has all of it covered, so check back in for that. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!