Portugal and Spain each performed their components in a spectacular Three-Three draw in group B's second match in Sochi.

Spain had been the dominant aspect on the evening and their midfield virtually ran rings round Portugal. However, they could not stop Cristiano Ronaldo from mainly being Cristiano Ronaldo as the Real Madrid man scored a memorable hat-trick, together with a very good late free-kick to degree the tie.

Here's a have a look at 5 issues we discovered from the basic conflict...

5. Andres Iniesta Could Easily Keep Playing on the Highest Level

Friday's match was proof that Iniesta's alternative to maneuver out to Japan to proceed his taking part in profession is a large loss. He rolled again the years towards Portugal and was an integral a part of the Spanish midfield as they ran rings round Portugal.

The 34-year-old's passing was pinpoint, his motion sharp and he wasn't afraid to get caught in when wanted. He might need been barely overshadowed by his compatriot Isco, however he demonstrated that he's removed from completed.

Perhaps persevering with to play for Barcelona could also be a stretch too far for the diminutive midfielder however taking part in for Vissel Kobe in Japan looks like such a waste. He may stroll into a variety of sides in Europe and immediately make them higher, no matter his lack of stamina.

4. Pepe's Antics Continue to Undermine His Abilites

Right, simply think about if John Stones chucks himself on the ground in the construct as much as a Tunisia objective on Monday. The man can be utterly crucified by the English media. Yet when Pepe does it, it appears to get brushed below the carpet.

What was he considering? Admittedly, Diego Costa's 'strong' problem most likely ought to have been a foul however that's no excuse for what adopted. Pepe chucked himself to the bottom and held his face while Diego Costa danced his approach into the field to attain.

Pepe is a superb defender. But he won't ever be remembered for something apart from being a complete prat.

3. Isco Could Very Well Go on to Win the Golden Ball

Isco completely ran the present on Friday evening and he left Portuguese gamers trailing in his wake left, proper and centre.

He was merely breathtaking and his efficiency was very paying homage to James Rodriguez's exploits in Brazil 4 years in the past. The Spanish midfield regarded horrifying at instances and Isco regarded totally imperious and barely regarded as if he was breaking a sweat.

If he can sustain that degree of efficiency there may be each likelihood he could be one of many entrance runners for the golden ball on the finish of the event. All he must do now's so as to add objectives and assists to his sport.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo Is a Bit Good at Football

Just a bit good. Just a bit.

Ronaldo scored in his fourth consecutive World Cup, however this time he scored a hat-trick. Yes, two of these objectives weren't precisely classics as he stroked dwelling a penalty and acquired extraordinarily fortunate as De Gea dropped a clanger for the second.

But the third. Oh my, the third was the form of free-kick the likes of which you'd solely normally discover in a Nike advert.

Magnificent, Miraculous, Marvellous. Ronaldo may very effectively drag Portugal kicking and screaming all the way in which to the tail-end of the competitors.

1. The World Cup Is the Greatest Show on Earth

The first three matches of the World Cup weren't precisely classics, admittedly. Most folks knew that might most likely be the case, given the dearth of expertise on present.

But when the massive canine got here to play, they reminded us all as to why we love this sport.

The sport had completely the whole lot. It was performed at a blistering tempo and the technical high quality on present was merely breath-taking. We noticed the great, the dangerous and the ugly and it was a sport that may reside lengthy in the reminiscence.

We now know that the World Cup has arrived. And it needs to allow us to all know that it's right here to remain.