At the 2018 World Cup, Portugal again qualified to appear in this world's highest event. Fernando Santos' team has relied heavily on the performance of its superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, to return to the same achievements as in the 2016 European Cup.
In that event the Selecao managed to become champions after beating France in the final with a score of 1-0. Of course, following these results, the Portuguese public really hoped that their country would talk a lot at the 2018 World Cup.
Joined in Group B with Spain, Morocco and Iran, Portugal ended their journey in the group phase by finishing runner up. Unfortunately, the Selecao had to stop in the hands of Uruguay with a score of 1-2 in the round of 16.
In the Tournament which was held in Russia, the captain, Cristiano Ronaldo made several achievements and brilliant performances. Moreover, on the first matchday against Spain, the striker who is now 37 years old immediately caused an uproar.
Hat-trick Against Spain
Ronaldo is indeed a star in this match. Competing at the Fisht Stadium Olimpiysky, the player who has the nickname CR7 scored three goals. Meanwhile, this match is actually going tight. Because, the action of chasing each other goals created up to six goals.
He scored the first goal through a penalty kick after Spanish defender Nacho Fernandez violated it in the penalty box. Towards the end of the first half, the former Real Madrid and Juventus again put Portugal ahead. Starting from a horizontal kick, the second goal was created.
Then Spain took the lead again through a goal scored by Nacho. But, when it seemed like the match would end with Spain's victory, Ronaldo made the difference. Receiving a dead ball prize, the player who is now defending Manchester United scored a goal via a free kick and forced the match to end in a draw.
Scored the Only Goal Against Morocco
Cristiano Ronaldo's single goal at once eliminated Morocco from the 2018 World Cup. Ronaldo scored his fourth goal at the 2018 World Cup and put him on the list of the 2018 World Cup's top scorers.
Goals began when Ronaldo received a corner kick. With a header, Ronaldo scored against Morocco. Ronaldo's goal completes the way he scored in this World Cup. In two matches at this World Cup, he has scored goals with right foot, left, penalties and head.
Then, two goals from the right foot came during the match against Spain, through free kicks and penalties. One more goal from the left foot when De Gea scored a blunder.
Matching Bastian Schweinsteiger . Achievements
Cristiano Ronaldo has appeared in four World Cups, four European Cups and one Confederations Cup. Thanks to his appearances in these events, Ronaldo equaled the achievements of the legend of the German national team, Bastian Schweinsteiger.
The legendary Der Panzer midfielder has the highest number of appearances at the World Cup and European Cup combined. They both appeared in 38 matches.
Since his debut in 2003, Ronaldo has scored 117 goals and is Portugal's all-time top scorer.