We shall remember 2018 as one of the most jam-packed football years due to the occurrence of the mighty FIFA World Cup. There were a huge number of exciting matches to pick from that would fit perfectly under this title, however, my today's pick for the Football Nostalgia Series would be Portugal vs Spain
1 vs 11, The man with a hat-trick shoe set world records
The audience in the Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi were the first-hand witness of something unimaginable, the memories of which would pass on to their generations. It was the second day of the WC 2018 when one of the most awaited match-up took place with Portugal facing Spain in the Group stage. The nations have one of the oldest rivalries dating back to about 1921 because of which, none of their fixtures conclude without drama, excitement, and exchange of harsh words. The match had barely begun when none other than Ronaldo was found charging into Spain’s goal area and was dangerously intercepted by the Spanish defenseman Nacho. Portugal was instantly awarded a penalty kick which was efficiently converted into a goal by the legend CR7 who had gifted his team an early lead.
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Spainish dragons unleashed to regain control
As a response, some good attempts and dangerous moves were presented by Silva and Iniesta in order to level the score but all in vain up until the 25th minute when Costa received a hop pass and being alone in the attacking position decided to take matters into his own feet. He controlled the ball with exceptional precision, dodged three Portuguese defenders and shot it in the net to level the score
1-1
Spanish attack continued and in my point of view the shot by Isco was a goal but the referee was not convinced to review it. Just before half-time CR managed to take another attempt on the goal and curse the poor judgment of De Gea who let the shot be deflected into the net giving Portugal the required lead. The second half began and Spanish side continued their demolishing attack, where a nice combination of free kick, header and a quick intercept by Costa (again) brought them a goal to level the score
2-2
Who knew that moments later, Spanish defender Nacho would charge in with an excellent screamer. A good attempt by Patricio to save the day but a deflection from the pole and the ball was into the net (3-2). Trouble for Portugal and celebration time for Spain.
No one should ever mess with Ronaldo
The heat was up for Ronaldo who could be seen losing his cool and not to mention the desperate attempts by the Portuguese players were just acting as a fuel. Spanish team seemed to be doing their job well as the defenders were rock solid and there was a missed hat-trick chance by Costa, however, the hat-trick was still written on that day’s timeline but probably not for them. Usually, when the match is entering the last minutes of the gameplay and the opposing team has a player like CR7, the defenders should be very careful not to give an open chance such as a foul leading to free kicks. With an over an effort to stop Ronaldo’s move, Pique tripped him off just outside the penalty arc and provided him with a perfect opportunity. An electrified shot by CR7 and the Portuguese side had leveled the score with an astounding record for the legend.
- Oldest player to score a WC hat-trick (Age 33)
- The only player to score a WC hat-trick against Spain
- 51st hat-trick scored in the world cup along with 51st one by the legend.
The hattrick man
For highlights of the match, find the below video
That is all for today, hope you enjoyed and do let me know in comments:
Which one was your favorite match from last FIFA WC?