World Cup Recap: Day 2
SteemSports Presenter:@thesportsguy
SteemSports Editor:@scottybuckets
What a second day of action from Russia! After the hosts kicked off action with the lone match on Thursday, pasting poor Saudi Arabia 5-0, three matches took place on Friday with the last of the day being the much-anticipated showdown between giants Portugal and Spain.
In the opening match of the day, it appeared that Egypt were about to escape with a much-needed point, only to have Jose Gimenez break the stalemate with a beautifully-placed header in the 90'. Sanchez delivered a free kick right into the area and Gimenez was able to rise the highest out of anyone and put it away in the right-hand corner of the net for the 1-0 victory, leaving Egypt crushed.
It was a match that saw Egypt's star player, Mohamed Salah, sit out due to injury. The Pharoahs nearly did enough to scrape out a point without their star available, but in the end, it was Uruguay's relentless pressure that finally produced in the waning moments. It was the latest Uruguay has scored a winner in a World Cup match since 1990.
In the day's second match, Iran and Morocco played deep into stoppage time, before disaster struck for the Moroccans. As they were defending away Iran's last-gasp attempts at breaking the scoreless lock late in stoppage time, Iran earned one more free kick. Haji Safi's free kick was rifled into the box and as Aziz Bouhaddouz attempted to head it wide at the near post, he instead steered it into his own net for a devastating own goal! The last-second disaster gave the Iranians a point as Morocco were left in disbelief as the goal was scored in 90' + 5' of stoppage play. Morocco out-shot Iran 13-9 and owned a substantial advantage in possession at 68% but in the end, the Iranians pressure down the stretch yielded the difference-maker.
The most anticipated and exciting match of the day pitted world behemoths Portugal and Spain in what was expected to be a highly entertaining match - and it did not disappoint. From the onset, there was drama and opportunity for both sides and it all got started early.
In the 4' Ronaldo tricked the referee into a penalty call and then the Portuguese captain stepped up and delivered a perfect strike - sending Spanish goalkeeper De Gea the opposite way before lifting his effort into the net. It was a beautiful start to the match for Portugal and their captain.
Spain came back strong however and in the 24' it was Diego Costa who curtailed a long ball and then did it himself, as he wrestled the ball in and directed it precisely past Patricio into the bottom corner. It was a terrific effort by Costa to bring Spain even at 1-1.
Ronaldo wasn't done however, and in the waning moments of the opening-half, he made something out of nothing from the edge of the box, and his effort managed to squirt through De Gea's legs to put Portugal back in front right before the end of the half. It was a low-strike with power, but ultimately it was a shot that De Gea would expect to gather in. Instead, Portugal went into the locker room ahead 2-1 at the intermission.
The second half provided plenty of drama and excitement as well and Spain came out of the locker room determined. Diego Costa once-again found the goal in the 55' as he turned in David Silva's free kick that managed to find Busquets and was headed across the face of the goal. Costa was the first to react and gather it in and deliver another equalizer, and the game was back on 2-2.
The action continued as just 3' later, Nacho found the goal for Spain with a dandy of a finish. After Portugal failed to clear their lines, Nacho gathered the ball and steered a stunner on a half-volley. It banged off the inside of the post and nestled in nicely to complete the comeback and put Spain in front for the first time 3-2.
As Spain rallied with 2 goals in 3', the Portuguese side looked to regain their composure and press for an equalizer of their own. The opportunity came in the 88' off a free-kick. Ronaldo stepped up to the mark and curled in an absolutely magnificent strike to pull Portugal equal 3-3 with the final whistle closing in. He was able to lift the effort over the wall and put enough curl and dip on it to find the top corner and leave De Gea with absolutely no chance. It capped a remarkable performance by the Portuguese Captain as he recorded the 51st hat trick in World Cup history.
The match lived up to lofty expectations and delivered a blend of drama and excitement that many expected to see. The fireworks from Christiano Ronaldo in particular were legendary. It puts both clubs in good position going forward, and makes one wonder just how far can Ronaldo take Portugal after such a Herculean effort?
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Ronaldo showed why he is the best in the world and Messi failed once again. This is a good Cup for me so far.
Ronaldo was excellent what a performance and like you said - Messi failed to deliver again. I also agree and have Ronaldo pegged a little higher than Messi. Great start to the World Cup! Several surprises, but some very competitive matches overall.