Cristiano Ronaldo scores a hat-trick to confine a strong Spain side 3-3 in their first group match on Friday.
European Champions, Portugal were certainly not the favorites to win their group match against Spain but with the help of Ronaldo, they proved that they are as good as any other team in Russia. Spain's Diego Costa, having scored a brace, was overshadowed by the Real Madrid star.
Portugal had the dream start and it looked like they were prepared for all tricks Spain used. Ronaldo earned a penalty in the 4th minute which he took full advantage of and gave Portugal a 1-0 lead.
Spain equalized with the help of their Centre Forward, Diego Costa in the 24th minute. Before entering the six-yard box, Costa pushed Pepe and the decision went towards VAR who allowed the goal. The Atletico Madrid star became the first player to be awarded goal through VAR.
As the game started leaning towards Spain before half-time, Portugal came right back in as Ronaldo scored his brace in the 44th minute. De Gea failed to control the ball which resulted in Portugal going ahead 2-1.
Spain were back after the mid-game interval, scoring 2 goals within a matter of minutes. Costa completed his brace by putting the ball in the back of the net in the 52nd minute. Nacho found his redemption from the penalty he conceded in the first half through a beautifully struck volley in the 55th minute.
The scoreline was 3-2 and there were no goals seen for half an hour until Ronaldo broke the silence to equalize 3-3 and nailed the ball into the top corner through his curling free kick in the 88th minute.
Ronaldo finished his 51st hat-trick and became the fourth player to score in 4 different World Cups. The former Manchester United winger showed why he is considered the best in the World. The treble clearly exhibited that he can not be underrated.
Though having only played a draw, it seemed like Spain lost since they had the upper hand and were more experienced than their opponents. The stats were with Spain but yet they couldn't secure the maximum points from the match.
Portugal face Morocco while Spain go up against Iran on 20th.
The match was a display of why World Cup is the most prestigious tourney and how fiercely players fight when they play for their country.
Portugal had the dream start and it looked like they were prepared for all tricks Spain used. Ronaldo earned a penalty in the 4th minute which he took full advantage of and gave Portugal a 1-0 lead.
Spain equalized with the help of their Centre Forward, Diego Costa in the 24th minute. Before entering the six-yard box, Costa pushed Pepe and the decision went towards VAR who allowed the goal. The Atletico Madrid star became the first player to be awarded goal through VAR.
As the game started leaning towards Spain before half-time, Portugal came right back in as Ronaldo scored his brace in the 44th minute. De Gea failed to control the ball which resulted in Portugal going ahead 2-1.
Spain were back after the mid-game interval, scoring 2 goals within a matter of minutes. Costa completed his brace by putting the ball in the back of the net in the 52nd minute. Nacho found his redemption from the penalty he conceded in the first half through a beautifully struck volley in the 55th minute.
The scoreline was 3-2 and there were no goals seen for half an hour until Ronaldo broke the silence to equalize 3-3 and nailed the ball into the top corner through his curling free kick in the 88th minute.
Ronaldo finished his 51st hat-trick and became the fourth player to score in 4 different World Cups. The former Manchester United winger showed why he is considered the best in the World. The treble clearly exhibited that he can not be underrated.
Though having only played a draw, it seemed like Spain lost since they had the upper hand and were more experienced than their opponents. The stats were with Spain but yet they couldn't secure the maximum points from the match.
Portugal face Morocco while Spain go up against Iran on 20th.
The match was a display of why World Cup is the most prestigious tourney and how fiercely players fight when they play for their country.
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