The 2018's first 'big' game of the tournament. Neighbours, rivals, enemies. Portugal take on Spain in group B of the 2018 Russia World Cup. Big names feature in this game; Ronaldo, Ramos, De Gea. A game that has us watering at the mouth in anticipation.
To begin, Ronaldo has and is currently carrying an expectation to produce his best performance on the world stage. I mean, the worlds best player has to surely be the best in the tourn ament, right? But looking at his stats in previous World Cups, he has only scored 3 in his last 4 tournaments. Yes, we are talking about the Ronaldo....
Portugal are entering this competition as European champions. Granted they were not graceful of winners but they are still the winners so they can be excused for carrying a certain swagger about themselves.
The game itself started off fast paced. To which got the crowd involved straight away. The Portuguese attacked Spain from the off giving them no space or time on the ball to compose themselves and created a couple of chances within the first couple of minutes. And it was this approach that led to the first goal within 4 minutes. Ronaldo collected the ball outside the box and speared a run direct into the danger zone. Small contact, but contact between Ronaldo and Nacho resulted in a penalty to Portugal. De Gea tried to play mind games whilst Ronaldo stood waiting to take the penalty. A puff of the cheeks and a cool penalty slotted in sending De Gea the wrong way. 1-0!
As the first half progressed, Spain began to take control of possession with slick passing and movement which was easily getting through the Portuguese defence. It looked as though the inevitable would happen and it did. But from the result of a less than 'Spanish' approach as a long ball from defence up to Costa. As the ball came down he challenged Pepe with what you could say a good old fashioned forwards challenge. An arm across Pepe forced him off and Pepe fell down like he had been close lined. Costa though still had work to do, drove forward and turning left, right making room for the shot sent the ball into the far corner. The equaliser. 24th minute.
Portugal looked as though they were approaching this game to hit Spain on the counter. Why wouldn't you with Cristiano Ronaldo as your striker. They nearly conceded from an absolute rocket from Isco who thundered a volley against the bar down onto the line. Was VAR to be used? Goal line technology? No goal.
Just before half time Portugal were on the attack. Ronaldo was walking back from an offside position received the ball just outside the box, fired a left footed low shot which looked as though would have been an easy collection from De Gea but uncharacteristically spilled the ball into the net.
Portugal lead 2-1 at half time.
A brilliant 45 minutes of football. Please can the 2nd be the same?
Answer - YES!!
It only took 10 minutes before the next goal and it was Costa again who managed to get on the score sheet. It was a goal that easily could have been avoided as a free kick that was too far out for a shot was obviously going to be sent into the box. When it was sent in a header back across goal allowed Costa a simple tap in. Is there going to be hat trick in the game? Ronaldo or Costa?
Another goal! And an peach of a goal. The full back Nacho who committed the foul on Ronaldo made amends with a sweetly struck sliced volley which swerved back in towards goal, striking the post. A beauty, which when it went in was appreciated by all watching (well apart from the Portuguese fans).
Spain had their lead. Was this it for Portugal? Taking the lead and holding on is easier than trying to claw something back. And especially against one of the favourites.
As much as Spain tried they couldn't get that fourth goal to secure the match but time was against Portugal. They didn't pose much of a threat going forward to cause worry amount the Spanish fans but one thing Portugal has is CR7 and give him the smallest chance........Free kick. 88th minute. Can he?
Cameras focus, the infamous stance, puff of the cheeks. Ronaldo approached the free kick slightly reserved to that of his normal free kicks and delivered an inch perfect shot into the top right corner leaving De Gea rooted to the spot. HAT TRICK!! Everyone erupts.
Full time and what a brilliant game of football. Everyone around me are just in awe of what they have seen. High fives, laughing, just delighted in being entertained in what will hopefully be one of many great games of this World Cup.
Before this tournament people were already signing it off as the Messi vs Ronaldo show. One thing is for sure the CR7 stepped up. He loves the occasion and he surely must be the GOAT?!
