Revealed: Why Cristiano Ronaldo stroked his chin after scoring for Portugal in World Cup draw with Spain
Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick heroics for Portugal against Spain sent football fans wild all over the world.
The Real Madrid superstar announced his arrival at the World Cup in Russia with an awesome display to earn his team a 3-3 draw in a thriller in Sochi.
It didn’t take long for Ronaldo to make his mark on the game, just four minutes in fact, when he was brought down by Nacho for a penalty.
Ronaldo was never going to let anyone else take the spot-kick and immediately took possession of the ball inside the Olympic Stadium.
He was ready to take the penalty under the glare of the floodlights but Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea had other ideas.
READ MORE: Hat-trick hero Ronaldo takes centre stage at World Cup
The Manchester United player left his goal line and approached the Balon d’Or holder and stood inches from the ball on the spot.
SLIDESHOW: All the best pictures from the 3-3 thriller (Click image below)
Having been prevented from taking the penalty, Ronaldo kept calm as the referee ushered de Gea back to his position after his brief exchange with Ronaldo.
De Gea’s attempts to put off the No. 7 failed though as he was sent the wrong way and could only see the ball fly past him into the net.
READ MORE: World Cup day two in pictures
Celebrating the opening goal, the Portugal captain sprinted to the corner flag before making an unusual gesture as he appeared to stroke his chin.
Fans on Twitter wondered what Ronaldo’s actions meant but many were convinced it was a dig aimed at the bearded Red Devils shot-stopper after his mind games.
Looks like that celebration from Ronaldo after his first goal was also for De Gea. #WorldCup #PORESP
— Hassan. 🇩🇪 (@mhamirza) June 15, 2018
Was Ronaldo’s celebration mugging off de Gea’s beard??
— Paul Michael Maguire (@PMJMaguire) June 15, 2018
Bruh Ronaldo’s celebration mocking De Gea’s facial hair was great
— Garrison Stripling (@GarrisonStrips) June 15, 2018
Did Ronaldo just diss De Gea with that celebration?
— #CHAMP13NS 🏆⚽️ (@waynoLOL) June 15, 2018