Magic Ronaldo lights up World Cup with hat-trick to deny Spain

Portugal's irrepressible captain Cristiano Ronaldo scored a stunning late free kick to complete a World Cup hat-trick and rescue a 3-3 draw in an enthralling match against neighbors Spain on Friday.

In by far the best game of the tournament so far, Spain forward Diego Costa notched a double before Nacho put them 3-2 ahead with a brilliant third only for Ronaldo to snatch a point.

Ronaldo, who took his tally to 84 goals in 151 games for Portugal, became only the fourth player to score in four World Cups after Uwe Seeler, Pele and Miroslav Klose. He had also scored in the last four European Championship tournaments.

Remarkably, the result left Iran top of Group B with three points after they earlier beat Morocco 1-0 thanks to a late own.

“I always believe in myself but obviously I want to emphasize the way the team played. We never turned away from the fight,” said Ronaldo. “This was only the first match but we are going to believe until the end.”

Spain was still reeling from the remarkable decision to fire coach Julen Lopetegui on Wednesday, after the federation said he had negotiated a contract to take over at Real Madrid without their knowledge and replaced him with Fernando Hierro.

The match got off to an explosive start when Ronaldo beat Nacho on the left of the box with a stepover, was tripped and converted the penalty himself in emphatic style after four minutes.

Costa equalized in the 24th as he latched onto a long ball forward by Sergio Busquets, bundled off a challenge from Pepe, slipped through two defenders and slotted his shot past keeper Rui Patricio.

The goal was confirmed after a review by the video assistant referee (VAR), being used at the World Cup for the first time, for a possible foul on Pepe.

Spain appeared to be on top as Isco rifled a shot against the bar, only for Ronaldo to strike again one minute before halftime with the help of a blunder by goalkeeper David De Gea as the ball hit his hand and slipped agonizingly into the net.

Costa leveled from close range 10 minutes after the break and Spain went ahead for the first time with a remarkable strike from Nacho, who met the ball on the volley at an awkward height and sent an in-swinging shot in off the post.

Incredibly, there was more drama to come as Portugal was awarded a free kick – won by Ronaldo – about 20 meters out in the 88th minute.

Ronaldo then stepped forward and curled the ball around the wall into the top corner to set off delirious celebrations amongst the Portugal players and fans.

Spain coach Hierro said, “We feel very proud of the players after the adversity of the match itself. We've come back and equalized twice, we feel great commitment and pride.”

(Source: Reuters)

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