Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo's 53rd career hat-trick defies VAR chaos in Nations League semi-final

By Sporting Life

Football

Mon June 10, 2019 · 6y ago

Cristiano Ronaldo's 53rd career hat-trick fired Portugal into the Nations League final - but not before VAR was at the centre of controversy.

Ronaldo had given the hosts an early lead against Switzerland with a stunning free-kick as he ended his mini international drought of four games with his 86th Portugal goal, to ultimately inspire . 3-1 victory

However, 11 minutes after the interval Switzerland were level in controversial circumstances from the penalty spot.

A long ball over the top for Steven Zuber sees the Swiss midfielder go down after an arm from Nelson Semedo. No penalty was given by referee Felix Brych, but VAR were looking at it.

As play continued, Bernardo Silva was clipped by Fabian Schar and a clear penalty was given. However the officials had to look at the Swiss penalty first and after a long delay Brych then decided to give the visitors a spot kick, which Ricardo Rodriguez duly scored.

But with extra-time looming, Ronaldo took centre stage with two late goals to send the home crowd wild and give them real hope of landing a second major trophy in three years having also won the 2016 European Championship.

His second came when Silva cut the ball back for the Juventus man to drive past Yann Sommer before completing the treble with another fine low finish.

Portugal will now play either England or Holland, who meet on Thursday night, in the Nations League final in Porto on Sunday night.

Cristiano Ronaldo's goals record including internationals

Games: 961 (804 club)
Goals: 689 (601 club)
Assists: 218 (190 club)
Hat-Tricks: 53 (46 club)
Penalties: Ronaldo 110 (102 club)

Cristiano Ronaldo's club goals record

Games: 804
Goals: 601
League: 419
Champions League: 127
Other cups: 55
Hat-Tricks: 46
Penalties: 102
Sporting Lisbon: 5 (31 games)
Manchester United: 118 (292 games)
Real Madrid: 450 (438 games)
Juventus: 28 (43 games)
Assists: 190

Cristiano Ronaldo's club honours

Premier League titles: 3
FA Cup: 1
English Football League Cup: 2
Community Shield: 1
La Liga titles: 2
Copa del Rey: 2
Spanish Supercup: 2
Serie A title: 1
Supercoppa Italiana: 1
Champions League: 5
UEFA Super Cup: 2
FIFA Club World Cup: 4

Cristiano Ronaldo's international honours

European Championship: 1 (2016)

Cristiano Ronaldo major awards

Ballon d’Or: 5 (2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2008)
Golden Shoe: 4 (2007-08, 2010-11, 2013-14 shared with Luis Suarez, 2014-15 - 48)

Lionel Messi's goals record including internationals

Games: 817 (687 club)
Goals: 670 (603 club)
Assists: 271 (231 club)
Hat-Tricks: 51 (45 club)
Penalties: 83 (70 club)

Lionel Messi's club goals record

Games: 687
Goals: 603
League: 419
Champions League: 112
Other cups: 72
Hat-Tricks: 45
Penalties: 70
Assists: 231

Lionel Messi's international honours

Fifa U-20 World Cup: 1 (2005)
Olympic Gold Medal: 1 (2008)

Lionel Messi major awards

Ballon d’Or: 5 (2015, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009)
Golden Shoe: 5 (2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18)

Lionel Messi's club honours

La Liga titles: 10
Copa del Rey: 6
Spanish Supercup: 7
Champions League: 4
UEFA Super Cup: 3
FIFA Club World Cup: 3