Heading in to the 2018 World Cup, the most anticipated matchup was the Group B showdown between powerhouses Spain and Portugal. The match lived up to the hype and then some, as Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Spain's Diego Costa each found the back of the net multiple times in what will be remembered as one of the best Group stage games in World Cup history.
Portugal jumped out to an early 1-0 lead courtesy of a penalty kick off the foot of Cristiano, making him one of four players to score a goal in four different World Cups. In the 23d minute, Diego Costa countered to tie things up at 1-1.
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Ronaldo found the back of the net for the second time just before the half, as Spanish goalkeeper David da Gea was unable to control a low line drive off the foot of the 33-year old superstar.
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Spain emerged from the half playing keep away and in the 55th minute Diego Costa connected off a beautiful set piece that started with a lob from David Silva to Busquets at the right post, who headed it over to Costa for the finish. Moments later, Nacho sent a rocket from 20 yards out that bounced off both posts before rolling across the goal line, giving Spain a 3-2 lead.
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Trailing by one with minutes to play, Cristiano drew a foul just outside the 18-yard box and netted the free kick for his third goal of the game. More importantly, it evened the score at 3-3.
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Both teams received a point as a result of the tie. Group B action will resume next Wednesday, June 20, as Portugal faces Morocco and Spain takes on Iran, who recorded a 1-0 victory against Morocco thanks to an own goal in extra time.
