WORLD CUP 2018: Player Ratings, Portugal vs Spain

This was billed as the best match of the group stage, and it proved so. A Cristiano 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 the stroke of half time, Ronaldo scored his second, and gave Portugal a 2-1 lead.

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

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

Portugal starting XI:

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

Cedric Soares: He got forward numerous times, but did not have the final delivery in him. Got exposed a couple of times against Alba. (6)

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

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

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

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

Joah Moutinho: The midfield maestro kept the ball moving, without really putting in a threatening pass. Not one of his best displays. (6)

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

Bruno Fernandes: Was anonymous for most parts of the match. Taken of with 22 minutes to go. (5)

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

Goncalo Guedes: He started ahead of Andre Silva, and much was expected of him. But the 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 the player he replaced though. (6)

Quaresma: He brought directness to the 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 the night for sure. He is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world, but made a blunder for Portugal's second goal. Could do nothing about the first and third goal. (4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Isco: He proved today why everyone considers him the future of Spain. Absolutely dominated the Spanish midfield, and was unlucky not to score. (9)

Diego Costa: He is strong and aggressive. And he showed exactly that, bullying the 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 the two-goal hero Costa in the 77th minute. Didn't have much to do, as Spain were hoping to pass their way to win. (6)

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