Cristiano Ronaldo has defended another controversial Man of the Match award at the World Cup as Ally McCoist insists the Portuguese star deserved it for making history

talkSPORT host Ally McCoist has come to the defense of Cristiano Ronaldo, saying the Portuguese star deserved the Man of the Match award against Ghana.

The 37-year-old scored Portugal’s first goal from the penalty spot as his side cruised to a 3-2 victory over Ghana in their first World Cup game.

In doing so, it meant Ronaldo made history by becoming the first player to score in five different finals.

Ronaldo, who recently terminated his contract with United by mutual consent, then did what he does best by shooting past the goalkeeper

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner got his hands on the Man of the Match award after his goal and performance on Thursday night.

It follows questionable decisions to award man of the match awards to Gareth Bale and Kevin De Bruyne, with the Belgian talisman admitting he was left confused after a lackluster performance.

McCoist was quick to back Ronaldo after winning the award after the game, but insisted the others hadn’t.

“Cristiano Ronaldo deserves it, Gareth Bale doesn’t,” he told talkSPORT Breakfast.

“Kevin De Bruyne doesn’t, question marks I accept over Kylian Mbappe, but Ronaldo deserves it 100%.

“The guy just set a record that will probably never be broken again.

“Not in our lifetime, I don’t think, it’s just remarkable, we’re talking about his fifth World Cup final.

“I know his overall game, but that [his goal] must give him the man of the match, it’s unbelievable.

“If we can’t give it to someone who scored in their fifth World Cup, there’s something wrong.”

Ronaldo will want to add to his record when Portugal take on Uruguay on Monday.