Ronaldo's remarkable free-kick sends football world wild
What a way to cap off a hat-trick.
Cristiano Ronaldo's swerving, diving free-kick for Portugal concluded his treble against Spain on Friday and wrapped up easily the best match of the World Cup so far.
Portugal was ahead 2-1 at the break courtesy of two Ronaldo goals - one from the penalty spot, and one hugely assisted by a David De Gea gaffe - either side of a great individual effort from Diego Costa. Then, the Madeiran talisman responded to Costa's tap-in and Nacho's rocket in the second stanza with his beautiful set-piece.
Related - Instant classic: Ronaldo's hat-trick sees Portugal snatch draw with Spain
Cue pandemonium on Twitter.
OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!
— Sachin Nakrani (@SachinNakrani) June 15, 2018
3-3
Absolutely wonderful. What a player.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) June 15, 2018
I can see why Wolves want to sign him tbf
— Chris Lepkowski (@chrislepkowski) June 15, 2018
Say what you like about Cristiano Ronaldo...absolutely magnificent. A genius.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) June 15, 2018
What a free kick!! #CR7 with the hat trick. But De Gea showed him the entire right side of the goal!! What a game of Football. #ESP #POR
— Arlo White (@arlowhite) June 15, 2018
So far we've had a 5-0, two late winners and this absolute absurdity. WORLD CUP!
— Nick Miller (@NickMiller79) June 15, 2018
Ronaldo scores his 51st hat-trick. His goal was his first successful freekick in a major tournaments at the 45th attempt. Incredible.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 15, 2018
Ronaldo is going to drag this team to at least the semifinals, eh
— James Tyler (@JamesTylerESPN) June 15, 2018
What a stunning free kick that is from Ronaldo. The way these two constantly vie with other, what price a Messi hat-trick tomorrow?
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) June 15, 2018
Spanish defenders, goalkeepers and taxes. Cristiano Ronaldo evades them all. WHAT a performance. #PORSPA #WorldCup
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) June 15, 2018