Portugal vs Spain: 5 Talking Points, World Cup 2018

#3 Diego Costa finally unleashes the beast within

With no support alongside him, Costa took it upon himself to beat Portugal's defenders on his own

For all the talent Spain have in midfield and the wings, they have lacked a decent centre-forward since Fernando Torres and David Villa reached the twilight of their careers. Diego Costa, who switched allegiances from Brazil to Spain, had a disaster of a World Cup in 2014.

However, back then he was trying to buy into a Spanish philosophy that was on the decline. Against Portugal, he played to his strengths - literally.

With his back to goal, he was the target for a couple of long balls when Spain tried to bypass Portugal's midfield line. And when Sergio Busquets pumped a hopeful ball forward, little did he know that Costa would bring out the best in him.

A controversial elbow to the face of Pepe floored the defender who looked for a foul but immediately got up when no whistle was heard. Costa then kept his cool, feinted this way and that before angling a low shot to beat Rui Patricio to make it 1-1.

It was a phenomenal goal that eased the pressure on Spain and allowed them to dominate proceedings thereafter. It reminded them that all was not lost despite Portugal's rise.

And when Spain were down 2-1 at the start of the second half, it was Costa again who was on hand to tap in a Busquets header across goal when Spain had a set-piece. He easily lost his marker and was at the right place at the right time to bundle it in.