FIFA World Cup 2018: Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick against Spain breaks multiple records | Football News - Hindustan Times
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FIFA World Cup 2018: Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick against Spain breaks multiple records

Sochi | ByAgencies
Jun 16, 2018 02:21 AM IST

Cristiano Ronaldo completed his maiden World Cup hat-trick when he curled in a brilliant 88th-minute free kick to earn Portugal a 3-3 draw with Spain in a superb World Cup Group B game on Friday.

Cristiano Ronaldo made history by becoming the first player to score in eight consecutive major internationals tournaments as he won and converted a fourth-minute penalty during Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2018 opener against Spain at the Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi on Friday.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his hat-trick during the FIFA World Cup 2018 encounter against Spain.(REUTERS)
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his hat-trick during the FIFA World Cup 2018 encounter against Spain.(REUTERS)

There was early drama in the Group B match when Ronaldo went down under a challenge from Real Madrid teammate Nacho Fernandez, prompting referee Gianluca Rocchi to point to the spot.

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READ | FIFA World Cup 2018, highlights: Spain, Portugal play out 3-3 thriller

Ronaldo kept his cool to send David de Gea the wrong way with a spot-kick into the bottom-right corner.

As a result, the Portugal skipper extended an unprecedented streak of scoring at major tournaments. Since finding the net at Euro 2004, he has gone on to grab goals at three further European Championships and four successive World Cups. Thanks to the goal, Ronaldo also became the fourth player to score in four World Cups, following in the footsteps of Uwe Seeler, Pele and Miroslav Klose.

READ | Cristiano Ronaldo takes dig at Lionel Messi after hat-trick against Spain

Ronaldo scored once again just before half-time to give Portugal the lead after Diego Costa equalised it for Spain. Spain goalkeeper David de Gea was at fault as he allowed Ronaldo’s low shot from 20 metres to slip through his hands and that was the forward’s fifth goal in FIFA World Cup tournaments.

Portugal conceded two goals in the second half and it looked as if Spain will be beginning their FIFA World Cup 2018 campaign with a victory. However, Ronaldo had other plans as he curled in a sizzling late free kick to strike the first hat-trick of this year’s tournament to make it 3-3 for the European champions.

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