Gerard Pique wasn't on board with how Friday's electric 3-3 draw with Portugal played out, suggesting theatrics may have played a part in Cristiano Ronaldo's historic hat-trick.
Referee Gianluca Rocchi pointed to the spot after just three minutes of play when he ruled right-back Nacho impeded Portugal's superstar in the box. Though the defender attempted to plead his innocence, his Real Madrid teammate stepped up and calmly converted the first of his three goals.
Ronaldo later secured his hat-trick in the 88th minute, converting an inch-perfect free-kick that left Spain goalkeeper David de Gea helpless. But Pique, who was called for the foul that set up the game-tying set piece, wasn't thrilled with how the Portuguese forward earned his calls Friday.
"We had more chances, they had three shots on goal, and scored three goals," he said post-match, courtesy of The Independent's Miguel Delaney. "Matches go a certain way and you have to face up to it.
"To see yourself in the first game of a World Cup go behind to a penalty after two minutes, you have to have a good feeling after how the game went. Ronaldo has a habit of throwing himself to the ground."
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While the authenticity of his first and last goals may be left up to debate, there was no doubt over Ronaldo's second, firing a low, fierce shot in the 44th minute that De Gea failed to corral properly.
Following the match, the Manchester United shot-stopper admitted he wasn't dwelling on his mistake, but echoed Pique's sentiment that the result didn't justify Spain's performance.
"I am fine, I am calm," De Gea said, courtesy of ESPN. "We played a good game. I am happy with the way the team reacted. We deserved more but football is like that, this can happen to you."