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9. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Hattrick
The majority of the Portuguese side that shocked the world and won the 2016 Euros traveled to Russia. Cristiano Ronaldo had just completed another awe-inspiring campaign and like always the weight of a nation rested on this shoulders. Their opening game was against one of the pre-tournament favorites Spain.
Portugal got off to the perfect start as Ronaldo wins and puts away a penalty just 4 minutes in. 20 minutes later Diego Costa pulls Spain level before Ronaldo strikes again just before halftime.
Another Costa goal and a stunning volley from Ronaldo’s Real Madrid teammate Nacho put Spain in front. At this point, Spain is in full control of the game and Portugal are getting very little of the ball.
But in the 88th minute, Portugal won a free kick at the edge of the area. There was no way anyone other than Ronaldo was stepping up to it. As he takes a few steps back and a deep breath, you know either two things are about to happen. He hits this over row Z or tucks it into the top corner. And what do you know, the man curls it in the top corner to make it 3-3.
Just as he does so often when his side needs him the most, he pulls an absolute rabbit out of the hat. Ronaldo has somehow done it again and just for a moment, you thought maybe, just maybe Portugal can shock the world again, but this time on the grandest stage. A nation's hero has put the whole country on his back once again.
