Cristiano made an early penalty and a late free-kick goal to complete a remarkable hat-trick in a six-goal thriller match against Spain on Friday night.
This is Cristiano Ronaldo’s 51st career hat trick for club and country and he made history as he became the fourth player in history to score at four World Cups and eight major international competitions.
This means that the Real Madrid forward joins Miroslav Klose, Uwe Seeler and Pele as the only players who have scored in four World Cups. He also becomes the oldest player to score a hat-trick in World Cup history.
Ronaldo had a stunning performance in the match. Just after 3 minutes in the game, the forward won a penalty off club team-mate Nacho and made a brilliant kick, sending David de Gea the wrong way.
Costa however gave Spain the equalizer, gave them life and changed the game. At this point, it became tough for the Portugal team.
20 minutes later, it was Ronaldo again, who put a shot on frame that David De Gea could not handle, with the first major goalkeeper blunder of the World Cup.
But again Spain had an answer. Ten minutes into the second half, it was Costa again, finishing off a beautifully-executed set piece in front of goal.
Two minutes after Costa’s 2-2 equalizer,Nacho fired the Spaniards in front for the first time in the game, giving Spain the upper hand in the game.
It seemed that the Spanish side had triumphed over the Portuguese, not until Ronaldo’s magisterial free kick that disappeared into the top corner, leaving De Gea flat-footed.
The game ended with a 3-3 draw. The Real Madrd forward admitted that it was indeed a remarkable experience.
“It’s the work of many years, I’ve always believed in myself,” he insisted post-match.
“We never lose face in a game until the final. Spain had chances, but the result was good for us.”
His three goals were crucial, but Ronaldo was keen to recognise the value of the result too.
“I’m very happy, it’s my first hat-trick at a World Cup,” he admitted. “We’ve drawn with one of the favourites to win the World Cup.
“We’re happy because we’ve managed a draw in the end.”
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