Portugal 3 - 3 Spain

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?!

The Power of a Number.

Has there ever been a number, for which one club holds so much expectation? Following the footsteps of greats? For Manchester United, it’s number 7…

Ask anyone about this shirt number and you will be given a list of names that, in any generation, have seen some of the greatest players to ever grace the field; Best, Robson, Cantona, Beckham, Ronaldo… Let’s be honest those are some impressive names.

 

George Best – arguably the best player to ever wear the number 7 shirt. With pure natural ability, he was able to produce wonderful skill, technique, ability (even on ‘those’ pitches) with such ease that fans loved to watch him, whilst being targeted by the well-known ‘hard men’ of the game. George helped Manchester United win their first European Championship in 1968 and spent 11 seasons at The Red Devils and was extremely popular on and off the pitch.


Eric Cantona – Known as the King, Eric Cantona is another fan’s favourite. Though his Manchester United career was short, he quickly established himself in the famous red shirt and cemented his status as a club legend.  Not only did he have the ability on the field; he also brought with him a fiery personality which oozed arrogance. Reacting during games was a frequent occurrence and Eric’s Kung-Fu kick at Crystal Palace will always be remembered for the wrong reasons.


Beckham – Beckham was part of the ‘Class of 92’ squad which has become famous for producing some of the best youth talent through the academy. Like most youngsters Beckham was loaned out but was quickly recalled after a short but successful spell at Preston. He became known for having phenomenal accuracy and his half-way goal against Wimbledon is still classed as one of the greatest goals in Premier League history.



Ronaldo – Of modern generation, Ronaldo is another player that fans will claim to be the best number 7 ever for Manchester United. Whilst playing for Sporting Lisbon he was quickly identified as being a very talented youngster and was signed to the Reds as a teenager full of ambition. Cristiano knew the significance of being given the number 7 shirt and this only motivated him more. His pure determination and dedication has shaped him into the player he is today. Since moving to Real Madrid he still holds Manchester United very close to his heart and has been greeted back to Old Trafford with the respect he deserves.

 

There have been a number of players to wear this famous United number, some have succeeded, some have not. But the fact that a ‘number’ can hold such prominence, can only be testament to the club that has produced some of the world’s greatest players and to this day, is still revered worldwide. 


 

 

El Classico

El Classico

The first El Classico of the season and the first competitive game for Barcelona's new signing, Suarez. The focus of the game usually lies on the history or Ronaldo vs Messi. It did have that but there was a feeling that with his return looming it didn't distract the emphasis away from the game, merely, let us know that this was in the background. 

Suarez was charged with biting an opponent in the World Cup and was banned for 10. Many had said that he should have been banned full stop, or a much harsher penalty. He will always divide opinions, but one thing is for sure is that he is a gifted player. As it had been such a long time since his last competitive, he was always going to be 'rusty', not fully match fit. But nevertheless, all eyes wanted to see the new number 9. 

It was an action packed game right from the get go. If you didn't take your seats early you would probably have missed the first goal. Neymar opened up the scoring with the first goal for Barcelona. A cross field ball from Suarez found the Brazilian who cut back across to guide to ball into the corner. This electric start set the tone for the game. 

As expected, the Bernabau was alive. The vicious roar from the crowd was deafening. They were the wind in Reals sails. 

Every challenge was welcomed by appeals from the Galacticos fans. If this was in a Roman arena, they would be calling for blood. 

A penalty appeal was awarded and That man Ronaldo took he chance to equal the score and to turn the tide in Reals favour. Very very entertaining and if there were new viewers to the biggest derby in Spain  are being treated to a great spectacle. 

The entertainment continued in the second half and both teams battled. One thing is for sure. Real Madrid are DANGEROUS on the counter attack. Whenever Barcelona lost the ball real surged forward with menace. A real treat to watch. The dominance showed and they were rewarded for their efforts as Pepe scored his first goal in an El Classico game. The dangerous counter attack again work in Reals favour yet again and they increased their lead with a Benzema goal. 

Towards the end Barcelona had given up. There was no conviction, drive or desire to get back into the games and because of this they were leaving themselves susceptible to more and more attacks from Real. In the end. A comfortable win for the Galaticos.    

The night was not only about the history of the El Classico, or that Suarez was returning. It was also Ronaldo vs Messi. Arguably the best 2 players in the world at the moment. And it was Ronaldo who came out on top. He had the fire burning deep, a desire which was visible to see. Every ball that was passed he wanted to be on the end of it. He wanted to be in the game at all costs. He lived every moment in the game, whereas Messi, vacant. Gave up to easily. 

Though Ronaldo still struggles to win people over, one thing is for sure. He is world class.