Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat trick to give Portugal a 3-3 tie with Spain

I have never liked Ronaldo.  I have only watched him play live once – in the 2010 World Cup against Brazil (in South Africa) – and his performance and attitude were both disappointing on the day.  I have held that against him, maybe unfairly so.  However, over the years, I have begun to respect and admire him, even more so today.  Ronaldo consistently scores goals in the biggest moments.  He single handedly led Portugal to a 3-3 tie against Spain, considered by many the top team in the tournament.  Ronaldo had some help from Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea, whose blunder led to the second goal.  Defender Pique whose sloppy foul led to the tying goal didn’t help either.  Ronaldo was phenomenal though and made a statement to anyone watching his intent is to dominate this World Cup.  He is off to a good start.

By the way, before the game, the Spanish news media reported that Ronaldo had agreed to pay the Spanish authorities $21.8 million in unpaid taxes and he was given a two-year suspended jail sentence.  Payback maybe?

Spain controlled the game but their costly mistakes were the difference.  After a crazy few days with their coaching change, they came back twice to take a 3-2 lead only to give it away in the 88th minute.  Diego Costa scored two goals and Nacho’s goal was a thing of beauty and looked to make up for his foul which led to Ronaldo’s opening penalty kick goal.   At times, Spain looked untouchable, but Portugal was always a threat on the counterattack.  It was such a contrast of styles, which often comes from teams competing against opponents from across the globe, but we shouldn’t forget these teams share a border over 750 miles long.

Let’s be honest though, it felt like a loss for Spain, or at least it should have, even though they had to show composure to claw their way (or Spain’s case, pass their way) back into the game.

If this game is an indication of the type of soccer and excitement we will enjoy during the next month, we are in for a treat.

Uruguay got the day started with a 89th minute goal to win 1-0 over Egypt and Iran knocked off Morocco 1-0 with a goal in the 5th minute of injury time.

If you are recording the games, you might want to add a few minutes so you don’t miss the late heroics!

 

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