Cristiano Ronaldo takes centre stage as Portugal deny Spain in World Cup thriller

Cristiano Ronaldo took centre stage at the World Cup to frustrate a Spanish side reeling from a chaotic few days in Sochi.

Ronaldo lived up to his reputation by playing a leading role to deny Fernando Hierro a win in his first match in charge after Julen Lopetegui’s sudden departure.

The Balon d’Or holder struck a scintillating hat-trick to earn his side a thrilling 3-3 draw when Spain appeared to be heading for victory in Russia.

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It took the Real Madrid superstar just four minutes to break the deadlock in this captivating encounter that promised so much with so many star names on the billing.

Ronaldo’s first foray into the Spain penalty area saw him go down under the challenge of Nacho and referee Gianluca Rocchi pointed to the spot.

Never one to shirk responsibility, the Portugal captain sent David de Gea the wrong with from 12 yards to set yet more records.

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That goal meant Ronaldo is now the only player in international history to score goals in eight consecutive major tournaments as he wrote another chapter in his incredible story.

It was an impressive start from the European champions but they were facing a team who lifted this famous trophy back in 2010 and have bags of experience in their ranks.

SLIDESHOW: All the best pictures from the 3-3 thriller (Click image below)

They grew in confidence after signs of nerves early on and Isco and the old master Andres Iniesta started to pull the strings.

But it was Diego Costa, the bullish former Chelsea striker, who bared his teeth to haul Spain level at the Fisht Olympic Stadium.

He bulldozed his weight through the defence, Pepe claiming a foul in the process, before showing the delicate part of his game as he swept the ball into the far corner.

The tide seemed to have turned. Spain were dominant. Isco crashed a thunderous effort against the bar which required VAR to confirm it had not crossed the line.

Then came a goal out of absolutely nothing to put Portugal back in front.

Ronaldo tried his luck with a weak effort that should have been food and drink for de Gea, however the Manchester United keeper made an absolute mess of it and the ball rolled in.

De Gea held his head in his hands and will have spent half-time in the dressing room mulling over his error in front of the millions of fans watching around the world.

He would have been the most relieved man in the stadium when Costa made an early breakthrough after the interval.

A long Spanish free-kick was headed back across goal and the firebrand striker was in the right place at the right time to bundle home another equaliser.

Things were to get better for Spain and there was to be redemption from the man whose mistake gave Portugal that dream start.

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Nacho unleashed a lazer-guided strike worthy of winning any match that almost burst the Portuguese net to complete the comeback.

Ronaldo was all fired up and Gerard Pique was forced into a last-ditch tackle to keep out the Galactico.

But he was not to be denied and snatched the headlines with a sublime free-kick which whizzed past de Gea as the world’s best goalkeeper watched on hopelessly.

READ MORE: Costa and Thiago feeling at home with Spain

Ronaldo has made an early claim for the Golden Boot and you wouldn’t bet against him adding yet another trophy to his already well-stocked cabinet.