Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their third goal against Spain during the World Cup on Friday. Photo: ReutersSochi, Russia: Cometh the hour, cometh the man and where football is concerned there is no man quite like Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Real Madrid forward was superb in Portugal's 3-3 World Cup draw with Spain on Friday, giving his team the perfect start with a penalty, putting them 2-1 ahead and popping up at the death, cool as you like, to whip home a free kick and complete a magnificent hat-trick.
"I have said it so many times," Portugal coach Fernando Santos told reporters. "Cristiano is the best in the world."
The hottest debate in football over the last decade has been between those who think Ronaldo is the greatest and those who prefer Barcelona's Lionel Messi.
With both players now into their 30s – Ronaldo is 33 – the Russia World Cup could be the last chance for them to stake their claims at international level and the Portuguese made the best possible start.
His three goals against Spain made him the oldest man to score a hat-trick in the World Cup Finals and only the fourth to net in four consecutive global showpiece tournaments.
Known for his impressive physique, Ronaldo is often criticised for his preening but on a warm and humid night by the Black Sea, coach Santos lauded his striker not for his muscles but for his mind.
"More important than his physical form is his mental form, he has incredible mental endurance," Santos said. "He is in great physical shape and has an incredible mind and that is what makes him one of the best in the world. He raised the team, he had absolute trust in the team."
Ronaldo's three goals against Spain made him the oldest man to score a hat-trick in the World Cup FinalsIn a television debate this week, Brazilian great Tostao called Messi the better of the two stars but his assessment came with a kicker that rang all the more true after Friday's man of the match performance.
Ronaldo, he said, "is perhaps the greatest goalscorer in the history of football".
No one who watched his clinical performance in Sochi could disagree and they will be eagerly awaiting more.
The good news is there is almost certainly more to come. When the pressure is on, Ronaldo is the main man.
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FIFA World Cup: Portugal vs Spain
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their second goal against Spain. Reuters
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FIFA World Cup: Portugal vs Spain
Spain's Diego Costa celebrates scoring their first goal with David Silva, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta. Reuters
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FIFA World Cup: Portugal vs Spain
Portugal's Bruno Fernandes (R) in action against Spain's Nacho Fernandez. Reuters
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FIFA World Cup: Portugal vs Spain
Spain's Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique and Koke look dejected after conceding a goal against Portugal. Reuters
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FIFA World Cup: Morocco vs Iran
An Iran fan attends the Group B match between Morocco and Iran at the Saint Petersburg Stadium. AFP
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FIFA World Cup: Morocco vs Iran
Morocco's Amine Harit in action with Iran's Vahid Amiri, Karim Ansarifard and Omid Ebrahimi. Reuters
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FIFA World Cup: Morocco vs Iran
Iran's Karim Ansarifard in action with Morocco's Nordin Amrabat. Reuters
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FIFA World Cup: Egypt vs Uruguay
Uruguay defender Jose Gimenez celebrates after scoring a goal against Egypt. Reuters
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FIFA World Cup: Egypt vs Uruguay
Egypt's midfielder Amr Warda (L) tackles Uruguay's defender Martin Caceres (R) during the Group A match between Egypt and Uruguay at the Ekaterinburg Arena. AFP
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FIFA World Cup: Egypt vs Uruguay
An Egypt fan is seen before kick off of the Group A match between Egypt and Uruguay at the Ekaterinburg Arena. AFP
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FIFA World Cup: Egypt vs Uruguay
Egypt's midfielder Abdallah Said (C) takes a free kick during the Group A match between Egypt and Uruguay. AFP
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FIFA World Cup: Egypt vs Uruguay
Egypt's forward Mahmoud Hassan (R) tries to shoot as Uruguay's defender Diego Godin (L) defends during the Group A football match between Egypt and Uruguay at the Ekaterinburg Arena. AFP
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FIFA World Cup: Egypt vs Uruguay
Uruguay fans hold flags before kick off of the Group A match between Egypt and Uruguay. AFP
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FIFA World Cup: Egypt vs Uruguay
Egypt's forward Mahmoud Hassan in action during the Group A match against Uruguay at the Ekaterinburg Arena. AFP
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FIFA World Cup: Egypt vs Uruguay
Egypt's goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy claims the ball during the Group A match between Egypt and Uruguay at the Ekaterinburg Arena. AFP
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