Cristiano Ronaldo rules the roost and other talking points from Spain's 3-3 draw with Portugal

Andy West 01:14 16/06/2018
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  • Ronaldo was the star for Portugal.

    The World Cup kicked off in earnest with a Friday night thriller as Spain and Portugal shared the spoils in a six-goal classic, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s magnificent late leveller securing a fortunate point despite seeing his side outplayed for long periods.

    Spain really sparkled at times and looked good value for a victory which appeared to be coming their way thanks to two goals from Diego Costa, but Ronaldo’s heroics – and a howler from David De Gea – ensured honours ended even in a fascinating contest.

    Here are three key storylines from a game which produced many.

    RONALDO RULES THE ROOST

    Somehow, after a week which saw his opponents sack their manager the day before the World Cup and his club side appoint him, Cristiano Ronaldo still managed to do what he always does: steal the headlines.

    The Portugal captain and talisman capped an action-packed performance by conjuring a magical late free-kick for his hat-trick goal, securing a point in the most dramatic fashion. He had already opened the scoring with a penalty he won himself, then netted a second which owed a lot to dreadful goalkeeping, and was constantly at the centre-piece of Portugal’s frequently threatening counter-attacks.

    In truth, Portugal were fortunate to escape with a point after being completely dominated for long periods, and Spain will be hugely frustrated they weren’t able to escape their shocking week with a deserved and confidence boosting victory.

    But with Cristiano Ronaldo on the field, anything is possible. And if he keeps up this kind of form maybe Portugal really can complete a remarkable Euros and World Cup double.

    Ronaldo added to the legend with his hat-trick on Friday.

    Ronaldo added to the legend with his hat-trick on Friday.

    DE GEA ON BORROWED TIME?

    David De Gea’s shocking mistake for Ronaldo’s second goal was the second similar error committed by the Manchester United man in the space of less than a fortnight – he also spilled an easy shot during the warm-up friendly against Switzerland, giving Ricardo Rodriguez an easy goal.

    Once was forgivable, but twice? Committing two similar errors in such a short space of time is extremely concerning, and emergency boss Fernando Hierro must now be seriously considering taking a step which would have seemed unthinkable just a couple of weeks ago: dropping De Gea.

    The problem for the 27 year-old is surely one of concentration, deriving from the fact that playing in goal for Spain is a very different proposition than doing so for Manchester United. With the former, his team habitually enjoys long passages of possession in the opposition half, meaning the ball is 50 or 60 yards away from the goalkeeper, who can consequently go ‘cold’ and lose his feeling for the game.

    That certainly appeared to be the case on this occasion, with De Gea not having any meaningful work to do for at least a quarter of an hour before he was caught out by Ronaldo’s daisy cutter. Dropping him now might seem drastic, but leaving him in would be a risk.

    Is De Gea's claim on Spain's No 1 shirt under threat?

    Is De Gea’s claim on Spain’s No 1 shirt under threat?

    COSTA ANSWERS THE CRITICS

    Diego Costa’s place in Spain’s starting line-up was the biggest topic of debate for Spain before the game, with the Atletico Madrid man doing little in the majority of his previous international outings to suggest that he should be selected ahead of Iago Aspas and Rodrigo Moreno.

    But the former Chelsea man hit back in inimitable style with a brilliant goal for Spain’s first-half equaliser, which started with a quintessential Costa moment as he barged Pepe off the ball – fortunate not to be whistled for a free-kick – and then delivered a finish of genuine quality as he twisted and turned into space to crunch home a fierce low strike.

    Costa later levelled again with a poacher’s strike early in the second half, getting in the right position to bundle over the line from close range, and he led the line with poise and power all night. If this game proved one thing for Spain it that their striker debate is over.

    Costa showed he can deliver for Spain on the big stage.

    Costa showed he can deliver for Spain on the big stage.

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