FIFA has said that Cristiano Ronaldo is a ‘total genius’ for the way he won a controversial penalty against Ghana.
The Portugal striker went down under the challenge of Southampton and Ghana defender Mohammed Salisu in what appeared to be minimal contact.
Amidst the criticism of the decision to award Portugal the spot kick by Coach Otto Addo and football fans, FIFA instead praised the 37-year-old for how he was fouled.
Sunday Oliseh, who is a member of the FIFA technical study group (TSG), defended Ronaldo and even went as far as praising Portugal forward.
Oliseh said: ‘Maybe the strikers are getting smarter?’
‘The Ronaldo penalty, people can say what they want about him, but the smartness to wait for that second, to touch the ball, continue his leg and then get the contact. That is total genius.’ FIFA’s Oliseh added.
Ronaldo became the first player to score in five different World Cups when he netted the controversial spot kick in the 65th minute. The penalty was awarded after the 37-year-old was judged to have been tripped by Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu.
Portugal’s win over Ghana produced no shortage of talking points, with Black Stars boss Otto Addo left fuming over the decision to award Portugal a penalty after Ronaldo went down under Salisu’s challenge.
