Spain 3-3 Portugal: Ronaldo hat-trick denies La Roja three points

A Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick denied Spain a win in their opening game of the 2018 World Cup as they were held to a 3-3 draw by Portugal. 

Spain had showed they were unaffected by the sacking of Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the competition as they twice came from behind to lead 3-2. 

But Ronaldo’s 88th minute free-kick, which completed the 51st hat-trick of his career, denied them the three points they will feel they deserved on Friday. 

Diego Costa, producing his best performance in a La Roja shirt, twice cancelled out Ronaldo goals before a thumping effort from Nacho Fernandez put Spain ahead in Sochi.

Until Ronaldo’s free-kick, an enthralling game looked set to end in a great result for Spain, who were coached by Fernando Hierro after Lopetegui was fired by RFEF chief Luis Rubiales on Wednesday. 

Rubiales was unhappy with the timing and the lack of transparency behind the announcement that Lopetegui will take over as Real Madrid coach next season. 

That could have rocked the Spain camp, with the players split on whether their now ex-coach should stay or go, but they put on a united front here. 

All 23 members of the squad took part in the group huddle before the match on the pitch and they then showed great resolve to bounce back after Ronaldo gave Portugal a fourth minute lead from the penalty spot. 

The Real Madrid forward was adjudged to have been clipped by his club teammate Nacho and he made no mistake from 12 yards. 

Spain quickly established control of the game after that and soon levelled things up when Costa wrestled with Pepe, decking him, before driving into the box and firing past Rui Patricio. 

Hierro’s side, though, despite completely dominating proceedings found themselves behind again at the break when David de Gea inexplicably fumbled Ronaldo’s tame effort over the line. 

But Atletico Madrid’s Costa levelled for a second time after the break, turning the ball over the line from close range after Sergio Busquets had headed back across goal. 

Nacho then made amends for giving away the penalty by producing a brilliant volley from the edge of the box which hit the post on its way in. 

However, as Spain looked set to close the game out, there was a late twist when the relentless Ronaldo struck home from 20 yards after being fouled by Gerard Pique.