Ronaldo scores first hat trick of 2018 world cup as Portugal manage to stop mighty Spain in a breath-taking encounter

On day two of the FIFA WC , an experienced Spanish side came in front of the 2016 European champions Portugal, although the Spanish side was stronger than Portugal they failed to secure full three points and somehow escaped with a draw and one point in hand.

At  4′, fouled by Cristiano Ronaldo ‘s Real Madrid teammate Nacho, penalty was awarded to Portugal which was cleverly converted by Portuguese captain and he became first Portuguese player to score in three different world cups. Portugal was dominating until Diego Costa scored on 24′ on counter attack by dodging 3 Portuguese defenders and keeper Rui Patricio with his excellent footwork in D area.

After the first goal Spanish side was confidently building their attack with the help of small passes and quick counter attacks and they got two chances to double their lead when Isco hit the woodwork on 26th min and Iniesta missed the close range flick on 35′, both the sides were fighting for getting lead before the end of the first half and then Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo scored on 44’. An error by De Gea, who misjudged the low powerful shot of Ronaldo and sent the ball to his own net provided the 2-1 lead to Portuguese side.

At the beginning of second half both the teams were playing safe and first few mins went without any good move or attack and then after that Diego costa scored his second goal of the day on 55′ by converting set piece and made it 2-2 then Nacho came to the rescue and provided lead of 3-2 and also paid for his mistake in first half, he scored the stunning volley from outside the D area on 58′ and Spain marked their comeback in first 15 minutes of second half. Last half an hour was thrilling where Spain was playing to defend their 3-2 lead and Portugal was building attacks to make it 3-3 and take a point, on 87′ Cristiano Ronaldo was fouled by Pique in front of D and free kick was awarded to Portugal, Ronaldo took the ball, kept it calmly on the spot and with his iconic run he scored a brilliant freekick and broke the hearts of Spanish fans, It was the first hat trick of 2018 world cup and Cristiano Ronaldo’s 51th career hat trick.

(IMAGE COURTESY : FACEBOOK/FIFA)