Cometh The Hour, Cometh Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a magnificent hattrick as Portugal and Spain drew 3-3 in a thriller on gameday 2 of the World Cup. Billed as one of the games of the tournament leading into the big event, this game delivered everything and more.

The Real Madrid forward and Captain of his country saved a draw for the Portuguese with a stunning free-kick with just minutes left in the game to secure a valuable point for his side. Diego Costa was brilliant for Spain, twice pulling back goals after they fell behind.

Ronaldo opened the scoring with a superb penalty after Nacho fouled him in the box in the 3rd minute to give Portugal the lead. Ronaldo also became the first player to score in eight major tournaments in succession after hitting the target in the last four European Championships.

Diego Costa equalised in the 24th minute with a supreme solo effort after outmuscling the Portugal defence, and the goal was given after VAR review. The Spanish controlled the flow of play until a David De Gea error from a Ronaldo shot dribbled into the net and gave Portugal the lead before halftime.

Diego Costa would strike again though as he snuck in at the back post for a tap-in not long after the second half began, before Nacho scored a stunning volley from outside the box to put Spain up 3-2.

Ronaldo had other ideas though, as he scored an 88th-minute equaliser to break Spanish hearts making it 3-3 with an incredible free kick. He now has 84 goals in 151 games for the European champions, and in the process of scoring last night he became the fourth player to score in four World Cups after Brazil great Pele and Germany's Uwe Seeler and Miroslav Klose.

Both teams will now need to take care of business against Morocco and Iran, particularly after Iran's late goal against the Moroccans which sealed a crucial 3 points early in the tournament.

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