#WorldCup… FT: Portugal 3-3 Spain – Ronaldo hits hattrick in thriller

Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed the first hattrick of the 2018 FIFA World Cup to help Portugal secure a 3-3 draw against Spain in a group B encounter at Sochi Stadium, Russia on Friday night.

The Real Madrid star opened the scoring 4 minutes into the game when he won a penalty and converted it as he sends goalkeeper David De Gea the wrong way.

Diego Costa equalised for Spain on 24 minutes after his sweet play through Portugal defence culminated in a shot right on target.

Ronaldo put his side ahead again a minute before halftime with a left-footed shot from the edge of the box. De Gea should have had it covered, but somehow, it slipped through his hands, off his right foot and into the net.

Read Also: Ronaldo ‘to accept jail term and £16.4m fine’ in tax case

Costa equalised again early in the second half. Andres Iniesta won a free kick on 54th minute and the Atletico Madrid star was inside the box to slot home after a header landed the ball on his right foot.

Nacho then took Spain ahead for the first time in the game with an incredible shot from outside the box, but Ronaldo salvaged a point for his country with a beautifully taken freekick few minute before stoppage time.

Iran, who defeated Morocco earlier on Friday, remain at the top of the Group B table with 3 points, followed by Portugal and Spain, while Morocco are bottom.

Portugal will face Morocco in matchday two next Wednesday at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, while Spain will battle Iran at Kazan same day.

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