In what has been a stellar career, Cristiano Ronaldo will definitely go down as one of the greatest players in the history of football. As the most prolific player in the game, the Portugal International has scored some mind blowing goals cap off by a moment of individual brilliance. From free kicks, to bicycle kicks and back heels, the 37 year old has been simply stunning....CONTINUE READING
Exactly four years ago today, the five time Ballon d’or winner put up one of the best individual performance by a player in a FIFA World Cup tournament. In what was his fourth appearance at the prestigious competition, Portugal were up against Spain in their opening game in group B. Four minutes into the first half, Ronaldo was brought down inside the penalty box by his former teammate Nacho and the referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot.
The Portuguese stood up and confidently sent David De Gea the wrong way to put his country in front. Twenty minutes later, Diego Costa drew Spain leveled in the game, before Ronaldo restored Portugal’s lead again on the stroke of halftime with a low left footed strike.
13 minutes into the second half, Spain were in front thanks to another goal from Diego Costa and a half volley from Nacho. With the scoreline at 3-2, it looked like Portugal were heading for an opening day defeat, but Ronaldo had other ideas as he stepped up in the 88th minute to equalize with a stunning free-kick that set twitter ablaze. It was an epic game and the result was no later than what the Portuguese and his teammates deserved.
Three goals that day marked Ronaldo’s 51st career hat-trick and it was unarguably his best performance at a FIFA World Cup tournament. It should be noted that the FIFA World Cup remains the only major competition Ronaldo has played, but failed to win. With what seems to be one last dance left for him in Qatar later this year, could this be the year he would go all the way in the tournament?.