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?!

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. 

My World Cup Review

Spain 0 : 2 Chile 

An important game in waiting for Spain as they took on Chile knowing that if they lost, they would be exiting the World Cup. 

An electric start to the game gave us an indication into how this game would be pan out. Spain were hoping to put on a performance that erased the memories from their opening game against Holland whereas Chile were brimming with confidence after their first game. It was Chile who opened the scoring this evening with a goal at the end of a slick passing movement. A hot knife through butter springs to mind. Spain found it difficult to break down Chile's defence and they looked one dimensional. Espanyol were dealt a psychological blow as Chile scored right before half time. A free kick, palmed away, fell kindly to Aranguiz to toe poke back at goal catching Casillas off guard. 

Facing the prospect of an early flight home, Spain had to go full steam at Chile to have any chance of staying in Brazil. They passed the ball quicker, slicker, but just could not find a way through. Having seen some spectacular goals this tournament we may have seen the miss of the World Cup. An over-head kick from Costa across goal fell to Busquets who was left with the simple task of tapping the ball in. Right? Wrong. He shinned it wide. And in that moment, it kind of summed up Spain's tournament. Chile had their own chances to kill of the game but that lack of quality and composure just kept Spain's hopes alive. Unfortunately for Spain, their super sub Torres couldn't inspire them as they continued to look like a team fresh out if ideas. 

Defending champions OUT of the World Cup.