FIFA World Cup 2014: Portugal vs Ghana 46th Match in Pictures

Cristiano Ronaldo wasted a succession of glorious chances as Portugal bowed out of the World Cup on Thursday despite beating Ghana 2-1 in Brasilia.

Portugal knew only a win combined with a defeat for Germany or the United States in the other Group G fixture, plus a significant swing in goal difference, would take them through to the last 16.

Germany won the group by beating the US, who also qualified on goal difference over Portugal.

Although Ronaldo netted his first goal of the tournament, the winner, it was his numerous misses that cost Portugal the sizeable victory they needed to make up for the 4-0 mauling they suffered by Germany in their first game.

Portugal's forward and captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Ghana's defender Jonathan Mensah react after the Group G football match between Portugal and Ghana at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium in Brasilia during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana's fans cheer prior to the Group G football match between Portugal and Ghana.

A Portugal fan awaits the kick-off of the Group G football match between Portugal and Ghana.

Ghana's defender John Boye (C) reacts to scoring an own goal with Ghana's defender Jonathan Mensah.

(From L-R)  Ghana's forward and captain Asamoah Gyan, Portugal's midfielder William Carvalho, Ghana's defender John Boye and Portugal's defender Pepe vie for the ball.

Fans follows the action the Group G football match between Portugal and Ghana.

Ghana's defender Harrison Afful and Cristiano Ronaldo vie for the ball.

Ghana's defender Harrison Afful plays the ball.

Ghana's defender John Boye  reacts after scoring an own goal as Portugal's midfielder Joao Moutinho (C), Portugal's forward and captain Cristiano Ronaldo (R), Ghana's defender Jonathan Mensah (2R) and Ghana's goalkeeper Fatau Dauda watch on the ball.

Ghana's fans cheer prior to the Group G football match between Portugal and Ghana.

Ghana's forward Abdul Majeed Waris (front) and Portugal's defender Pepe vie for the ball.

Ghana's goalkeeper Fatau Dauda (L), Ghana's defender Jonathan Mensah (front) and Portugal's forward and captain Cristiano Ronaldo (R) vie for the ball.

Ghana's midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu is injured during match.

Ghana's midfielder Mubarak Wakaso (L) and Portugal's forward and captain Cristiano Ronaldo vie for the ball.

Portugal's coach Paulo Bento reacts during the match.

Portugal's defender Bruno Alves (L) and Ghana's forward and captain Asamoah Gyan vie for the ball.

Portugal's forward and captain Cristiano Ronaldo kicks the ball.

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after the match between Portugal and Ghana.

Portugal's forward Eder (L) and Ghana's defender Jonathan Mensah vie for the ball.

(AFP Photo)