It was a match that lived up to its expectation in a fashion as Cristiano completed his hatrick with a late free kick to ensure the share of points between Portugal and Spain in the six-goal thriller.
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Ronaldo celebrates one of his goals with teammates.
Portugal led early on in the game after Nacho Fernandez brought down fellow Real Madrid teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo in the penalty box and the World footballer of the year made no mistake from the spot in the 4th minute. The goal is the fastest yet at his summer's World Cup and the fastest in the history of Portugal at the World Cup.
Spain were not sitting back as they responded through Diego Costa in the 24th minute after he fended off challenges from Pepe and Rui Fonte to fire home an equaliser. Replays show he fouled Pepe in the process but the goal stood which brings to question the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at the World Cup.
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Diego Costa celebrates his equaliser.
It could have been 2-1 for Spain few minutes later but Isco Alarçon saw his shot come off under the crossbar and replays show the ball did not cross over the line even when the Spaniards called for the referee to consult the VAR. One could see the referee point to his wrist as to say if it was a goal, my watch would have vibrated.
And with just a minute to half time, David De Gea fumbled into his own goal what should be a routine catch from a Ronaldo long range shot to put Portugal 2-1 ahead.
In a quick turn of events after the interval, Spain came from behind for the second time in the game, not just to draw level but to take the lead for the first time on the night.
Diego Costa with his second goal of the game tapped in from close range from a Sergio Busquet header back across goal before Nacho Fernandez made up for his earlier mistake with a thundering shot in off the post three minutes later from about 25 yards out, to gift Spain the lead.
Fernando Hierro would have been hoping for a victorious start as the Coach of Spain but this hope was surely shattered by no other than the man who always lives up to big occasions, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Just like in the two earlier games between Egypt & Uruguay and Morocco & Iran, Pique gave away a clumsy late foul in a very dangerous position. Ronaldo stepped up in the signatory Ronaldo fashion but this time went for technique over power to send a wonderful free kick past the Spanish wall, leaving De Gea with no chance to get at the ball.
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Ronaldo hits a superb free kick to earn Portugal a draw.
The hatrick is Ronaldo's 51st career hatrick and his 6th for Portugal. Coincidentally, it is also the 51st hatrick of the World Cup history. What a history maker you can say Ronaldo is.
Iran vs Morocco
In the other Group B game, Morocco saw a late home goal from substitute striker Bouhaddouz ruin their nearly perfect start to the world cup from a Uruguay free kick.
Soufian Amrabat gave away a clumsy foul on the far post and the resulting free kick was deflected into his own goal by the striker.
Next Fixtures
Portugal takes on Morocco while Iran faces Spain.
As it stands in Group B
Teams Points
Iran 3
Portugal 1
Spain 1
Morocco 0
great game to watch till the end do or die, great to see a draw and make things interesting
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You can say that again. That's what makes a world cup
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