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Supp. Three 'The Greatest'

  • Jun 16, 2018
  • 2 min read

If Cristiano Ronaldo was Spanish, they would have the tools to conquer the universe; a masterful performance from the Portuguese Captain has characterised what will be looked back on as one of the great World Cup games this morning. A thrilling end to end contest of two opposing footballing philosophies has delivered, and delivered emphatically. The game, like all those before it so far, began at a frenetic pace with the electric Ronaldo being brought down by Nacho Fernandez in just the fourth minute. A penalty was instantly awarded and, despite Spanish keeper De Gea’s best efforts to put Ronaldo off, the Portuguese struck home a characteristically lethal drive. After twenty minutes of a slow Spanish increase in retention of the ball and movement, forward Diego Costa dispatched a fantastic effort through the legs of former Southampton defender Jose Fonte after an edge of the box skuffle. The game was beautifully poised before Ronaldo, against the run of play, forced an out of character mistake from De Gea and put the Portuguese 2-1 up at the break - the Spanish certainly had reason to be disappointed.

The second half began in the same vein as the first, with the Portuguese becoming more and more cautious by the minute as they became more geared to hitting Spain on the break, something which was proving effective. Ten minutes in the second half, a driven cross from the byline put Costa in from two yards out and the Atleti man struck for his second - the Spanish looked as if they were taking complete control, and that notion was confirmed when under three minutes later fullback Nacho, at fault for the first goal, scored a rocket from outside of the box. The game cooled and both sides had chances with Ronaldo looking effervescent whenever on the ball. Just when Spain thought they had consolidated and secured the lead, however, the Captain one a free kick on the edge of Hierro’s sides box; the consequence, the completion of a world class hatrick. Ronaldo sent a free kick worthy of being included in his career highlight reel searing into the top corner, and with that, secured the Portuguese a point in what will be looked back on as one of the great World Cup ties.

Uruguay also battled their way, perhaps unfairly to beating an unlucky Egyptian side without talismanic figure Mo Salah; the South American’s will look to top their group, ahead of Iran who surprisingly toppled Morocco in a tight contest. Defender Gimenez’ goal could prove crucial for the Uruguayan’s who produced a defensively sound performance with star Luis Suarez looking off the pace.

 
 
 

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