WORLD CUP 2018: Player Ratings, Portugal vs Spain

This was billed as best match of group st, and it proved so. A Cristia Ronaldo show was canceled out by a double by Diego Costa and a stunner from Nacho as Portugal and Spain drew 3-3.

Ronaldo's 4th minute penalty was canceled out by Diego Costa's opener. But on stroke of half time, Ronaldo scored his second, and gave Portugal a 2-1 le.

In second half, Spain were much better team, and were dominating possession. y scored two goals within three minutes to take a 3-2 le. Costa equalized from a routine free-kick, before Nacho scored an absolute stunner. But Ronaldo h last laugh, as he scored a sublime free kick in 87th minute to salv a point for his team. 

After enthralling encounter, let's take a look at how players performed. 

Portugal starting XI:

Rui Patricio: Couldn't do much about any of three goals. His handling though, at times, looked susceptible. (6)

Cedric Soares: He got forward numerous times, but did t have final delivery in him. Got exposed a couple of times against Alba. (6)

Pepe:  experienced centre-back was at his aggressive self. Conceded a couple of silly fouls, and was out strengned by Costa for Spain's first goal. (6)

Jose Fonte: Just like Pepe, he did decently, though should have done better for Spain's first goal. (6)

Raphael Guerreiro:  full back on left side was at his usual attacking self, though, his crossing was poor. Supported attackers with his runs. (7)

Bernardo Silva:  diminutive winger struggled to get going. Playing on right side, he tried hard to make a difference, but couldn't. Was taken off with 20 minutes to go. (6)

Joah Moutinho:  midfield maestro kept ball moving, without really putting in a threatening pass. t one of his best displays. (6)

William Carvalho: His main task was to keep attacking midfield trio of Spain in check, and he did that for most parts. Kept his passing short and simple. (7)

Bru Fernandes: Was anymous for most parts of match. Taken of with 22 minutes to go. (5)

Cristia Ronaldo: What can be said about him which hasn't alrey been said. He won penalty, and opened scoring from spot. Got lucky for his second goal. But his third was a piece of magic. Absolutely sensational performance. (10)

Goncalo Guedes: He started ahe of Andre Silva, and much was expected of him. But youngster couldn't deliver much, and fluffed his lines on a couple of occasions. (6)

Substitutions:

Joao Mario: Came on for Fernandes, and looked lively without really threatening. Was much better than player he replaced though. (6)

Quaresma: He brought directness to Portugese attack, but struggled with his final product. (6)

Andre Silva: Replaced Guedes with 10 mins to go, and couldn't really make much of an impact. (5)

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Spain starting XI:

David de Gea: Villian of night for sure. He is arguably best goalkeeper in world, but me a blunder for Portugal's second goal. Could do thing about first and third goal. (4)

Nacho: Villian in first half, hero in second. full back conceded penalty, which let Portugal open scoring. But in second half, scored an absolute belter. (6)

Sergio Ramos:  Spanish skipper was his usual self, trying to close down opponent at every occasion. His passing at times was shoddy, and or times exceptional. (6)

Gerard Pique: He h a solid game till 86th minute, when he fouled Ronaldo. Must be wondering why he did that. (7)

Jordi Alba: A very good performance from full back. He was a menace to Cedric, and me some brilliant runs. (7)

Sergio Busquets: Early on looked a bit out of sorts, but gared himself and put in a shift. In a tight situation, if you need someone to hold ball, n call Busquets. (7)

Koke: Tried hard, but was least effective in Spanish midfield. Was link man between attack and defense. (6)

David Silva: Silva was good, but he could have been better. At times, attacking midfielder seamlessly beat his opponents. But final pass was missing. (6)

Iniesta:  2010 final hero surprisingly lost ball quite a number of times. But he showed he still has skill, with some clever touches. (7)

Isco: He proved today why everyone considers him future of Spain. Absolutely dominated Spanish midfield, and was unlucky t to score. (9)

Diego Costa: He is strong and aggressive. And he showed exactly that, bullying Portugese defense for his first goal. His second was a tap-in, and he left for a round of applause. (8)

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Substitutions:

Thiago: He replaced Iniesta, and injected freshness and pace. Some of his touches were just brilliant. Surely looks a certain starter for next match. (7)

Iago Aspas: Replaced two-goal hero Costa in 77th minute. Didn't have much to do, as Spain were hoping to pass ir way to win. (6)

Lucas Vazquez:  Real Mrid winger came on for Silva with few minutes to go. (5)