Sporting Life
Cristiano Ronaldo completes his hat-trick for Portugal v Spain at the 2018 World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo completes his hat-trick for Portugal v Spain at the 2018 World Cup

Portugal 3-3 Spain: Cristiano Ronaldo nets a hat-trick in World Cup thriller

22:48 · FRI June 15, 2018

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in Portugal's incredible 3-3 draw with Spain in World Cup Group B.

It was the Real Madrid man's 51st hat-trick - and the 51st treble to be scored at a World Cup - and it came in a thrilling match in Sochi, resulting in a scoreline that could be backed pre-match at 100/1.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is now the 9/4 favourite with Sky Bet to be the winner of the tournament's Golden Boot, while Diego Costa is 7/1 after scoring twice.

Portugal made an ideal start, taking the lead inside four minutes when Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot after appearing to fall under the challenge of club team-mate Nacho.

Costa levelled for Spain after 24 minutes when he beat Pepe in the air and showed both composure and strength in the face of covering Portuguese defenders to drill the ball past goalkeeper Rui Patricio. After being reviewed by the VAR system for Costa's challenge on Pepe, the goal stood.

Isco almost put Spain ahead moments later when his 20-yard shot crashed off the underside of the crossbar and Ronaldo scored again after 44 minutes to give Portugal a 2-1 half-time lead, his shot slipping through David De Gea's grasp.

Diego Costa celebrates

Costa equalised for the second time after 54 minutes with a close-range header and Spain then took the lead moments later when Nacho drilled a superb 25-yard effort in off the post.

Portugal drew level with two minutes to go in dramatic fashion as Ronaldo completed his hat-trick with a brilliant free-kick.

The 33-year-old gave De Gea no chance with a 25-yard effort that flew into the top corner to make it 3-3 and cap off a thrilling encounter between the Iberian rivals.

Elsewhere...

Earlier in Group B, Iran top the table after matchday one, following a stoppage-time strike to steal a 1-0 victory over Morocco. Meanwhile, Uruguay also left it late, beating Egypt 1-0 in Group A.

Opta match facts

  • Spain have now won their opening World Cup match in just two of their last 13 tournaments (D4 L7 – 2002, 2006).
  • Portugal talisman Cristiano Ronaldo is just the fourth player to score in four different World Cup tournaments (2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018) after Pele, Uwe Seeler and Miroslav Klose.
  • Portugal scored after just three minutes and 30 seconds – it was the fastest goal Spain have ever conceded at the World Cup.
  • Spain striker Diego Costa scored with his first two shots on target at the World Cup.

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Odds correct as of 2100 BST 15/06/18

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