FIFA’s #WorldCupAtHome campaign is continuing with thrilling and unexpected wins in all world cup matches. Portugal v Spain Re-Live Historical Draw in FIFA world cup 2018 Russia today at 18:00 CEST.
Portugal v Spain Re-Live
At the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia ™, Portugal and Spain faced each other for the second time in the history of the event. The first was the 2010 South Africa quarter-finals, decided by David Villa in favor of La Roja. This time, both teams played their part in an exciting end-to-end Group B encounter, in which Christian Rolando scored a hat-trick, Spain came twice from behind and was even honored in one of the games of the tournament.
Match Summary
Portugal 3-3 Spain
15 June 2018
Fisht Stadium, Sochi
Portugal (Ronaldo, 4′ pen, 44′, 88′), Spain (Diego Costa 24′, 55′; Nacho 58′)
Portugal: Rui Patricio, Raphael Guerreiro, Jose Fonte, Pepe, Cedric Soares, Joao Moutinho, William Carvalho, Bruno Fernandes (Joao Mario 68′), Goncalo Guedes (Andre Silva 80′), Bernardo Silva (Ricardo Quaresma 69′), Cristiano Ronaldo
Spain: David de Gea, Jordi Alba, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Nacho, Koke, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta (Thiago 70′), Isco, David Silva (Lucas Vazquez 86′), Diego Costa (Iago Aspas 77′)
Portugal vs Spain Match
The couple, who moved together in Group B in Russia in 2018, competed against each other in the opening game. Portugal needed a play-off to reach the tournament, even though it had been crowned European champion just two years earlier.
Spain was still under reconstruction after the disappointment with Brazil in 2014. Nevertheless, the mood was good after a smooth qualification – at least until 48 hours before the kick-off, when head coach Julen Lopetegui was sensationally released and the then sports director Fernando Hierro was appointed in his place.
This high octane encounter was characterized by three aspects:
Precision: Portugal only had eight shots, three of them on goal, which brought three goals for an inspired Ronaldo. Ruthlessly efficient with the dead ball – he scored the first from the penalty spot and the third with a direct free kick – he also benefited from a fumble by the unfortunate De Gea for his second. Spain had significantly more chances, a total of 15 (five of which were targeted) but was less clinically targeted.
Resilience: La Roja came twice from behind to equalize. Portugal took the lead early after Nacho fouled Ronaldo. Diego Costa then restored parity after tying the Portuguese defense in knots before Ronaldo brought his team back in front just before the break. After the break, goals from Costa and Nacho, the latter with a spectacular half volley, wielded the tie again. However, a late foul by Pique about five meters outside the box allowed Portugal the final say.
Possession against counterattacks: Spain had the lion’s share of the ball possession (61 percent) and used it well to dominate long phases of the game. However, Portugal has found a way to hurt La Roja during the break. With Moutinho and William in central midfield, Fernando Santos’ team, with the pace of Ronaldo and Guedes and the precise deliveries of Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes, caused danger.
Cristiano Ronaldo The Star In Portugal vs Spain Re-Live
Cristiano Ronaldo started his fourth World Cup campaign and showed his best performance in competition. The captain of Selecção das Quinas weighed three points from just four shots against Spain. In addition to his graduation, the striker also contributed to the development game, drove his team forward and was a threat to the break.
His hat trick was Portugal’s third at a world championship after those of Eusebio (1966) and Pauleta (2002).
Coaches Views About Portugal v Spain Re-Live
“I am happy that Cristiano is Portuguese because he is the best player in the world thanks to his physical strength, his exceptional technique and above all his mental strength. He brought the team back into the game when we returned.” Portugal coach Fernando Santos
“We should be very proud of the boys and how we overcame the obstacles that the game brought us and that came twice from the beginning.” Spain coach Fernando Hierro
