SPAIN 3 PORTUGAL 3 | WORLD CUP 2018 GROUP B

SPAIN kicked off tonight its WORLD CUP 2018 participation against PORTUGAL in Group B. The final result a 3 - 3 draw that could have gone either way. Spain after the turmoil of losing their Coach Lopetegui after being fired coinciding with his Real Madrid Coaching announcement 48 hours previously, started with nerves as expected but ended much better, with 3 goals & a good overall performance. PORTUGAL has CRISTIANO RONALDO & while he may not be as illustrative as others his efficiency & optimization when he receives or faces goal is absolutely deadly. The Real Madrid player & Portugal Captain got himself a HAT-TRICK & was the driver & the protagonist of his team tonight. 

The Spain & Portugal starting line-ups are above & Spain basically kept the habitual formula & set up coming into this World Cup . Spain puts their Football in ball possession, with long build ups looking for the gaps & Diego Costa upfront, while Portugal functions on the counter-attack & long balls to Cristiano Ronaldo. Both formulas worked as Ronaldo got three goals while Diego Costa scored 2 goals.

Portugal got off to a great start when Ronaldo was fouled in the square by Nacho & was awarded a penalty in the 4th min. The goal brought doubts to the Spanish Team but they managed to get back their concentration to find their game. DIEGO COSTA draw in the 23rd min & things looked good for Spain. They had Portugal on the back foot creating opportunities until Ronaldo in the 44th min shot at goal a weak ball that Spanish goalie DAVID DE GEA fumbled to find the net. A shocker just before half time that hurt psychologically Spain. 

Spain started the 2º half again with doubts & nerves but managed to find their touch Football & regained their confidence. From a set piece free kick Busquets headed into the square where DIEGO COSTA knocked in the equalizer.  This lifted Spain & gave them a moral boost to find their BEST moments of the match. They were rewarded when defender NACHO hooked onto a loose ball outside the box in the 58th min that flew into goal. Spain was clearly dominating & could have scored a 4th but Costa could get in on time.

With Spain dominating proceedings a Pique foul on Ronaldo just outside the area allowed the Real Madrid player to convert a free kick in a unstoppable goal & equalizer in the 88th min. The free kick was spectacular & Spain watched how a "simple" foul poured cold water over their very good performance overall. 

In resume, given the circumstances both teams will be satisfied with the result, while Spain will be extra satisfied given the context, the crisis & turmoil experienced 48 hours before this match. Outstanding match from Isco, Koke & Diego Costa for Spain.

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