#Match Report: Ronaldo with a hatrick as Portugal, Spain share the spoils

Summary

Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the night, scoring a hatrick, as Portugal and Spain shared the spoils in their opening game of the 2018 summer World Cup.

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 4 minute from the spot after being brought down in the box by Nacho, thunderously sending the ball to the right top corner, and De Gea to the left.

Sergio Busquets was the first man to go into the books of the referee after a studs-up challenge on Goncalo Guedes. Diego Costa levelled the scores in the 24 minute with a superb low-level finish. 1-1. An energized Ronaldo restored the lead for for Portugal in the 44 minute to see Portugal take the lead into half-time.

Nine minutes into the second half, Costa grabbed his second, and fourth for the game, to see Spain level before Nacho gave Spain the lead for the first time with a superb strike from outside the box. Ronaldo levelled the scores in the 88 with a well-taken free kick, leaving De Gea standing.

Chasing the game, Santos Fernando introduced fresh feet, bringing Joao Mario for Bruno Fernandes in the 67 minute.Two minutes later, Hierro responded by bringing in Thiago Alcantara for Andreas Iniesta while Fernando made another change resting Bernado Silva and bringing in Richardo Quaresma. Spain’s first goal scorer Costa came off in the 76 minutes and Iago Aspas took his place. Portugal made their final change in the 80 minute, bringing in Andre Silva for Guancalo Guedes.

The 3-all draw leaves Group B open, with Iran topping the group following their 1-0 win earlier against Morocco.

Moments

3′ Penalty Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo draws a foul in the penalty area.

4′ Goal! Portugal 1, Spain 0. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom right corner, sending De Gea the wrong way.

17′ Sergio Busquets goes in the book for a studs-up challenge on Gonçalo Guedes. From the resulting free-kick, Cristiano Ronaldo runs up like Jonny Wilkinson and nearly takes the head off a member of the Spanish wall.

24′ Goal! Portugal 1, Spain 1. Diego Costa (Spain) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Sergio Busquets.

44′ Goal! Portugal 2, Spain 1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) left footed shot from outside the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Gonçalo Guedes.

55′ Goal! Portugal 2, Spain 2. Diego Costa (Spain) right footed shot from very close range to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Sergio Busquets with a headed pass following a set piece situation.