WORLD CUP: Ronaldo lights up Portugal in six goal thriller against Spain

It was a six goal thriller between Spain and Portugal yesterday in one of the most explosive games as the 2018 FIFA Word Cup was kicked into high gear.

A hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo and a brace from Spain's Diego Costa ensured that the tie ended in a 3-3 draw.

Just four minutes into play, the Real Madrid star was celebrating after converting a penalty after he was fouled in the 18 yard box.

In the 24th minute, former Chelsea striker Diego Costa bullied Portugal defenders Jose Fonte and Pepe, leaving them for dead before he levelled matters for Spain with an exquisite goal.

A few minutes to recess, Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea made a schoolboy and an uncharacteristic mistake after fumbling with the ball to let in a Ronaldo shot  which ended at the back of the net.

Spain however never withered down as they produced a fine display through Isco, Andreas Iniesta and David Silva leaving Portugal grasping for breath for the biggest part of the second half.

Having returned to the driving seat, it was not long before Costa completed a brace and also the second goal for Spain on the 55th minute mark.

Minutes later,  they took the lead for the first time in the game through Nacho Fernandez, after his fierce shot caught the Portuguese defence flat footed.

The Portuguese however resurrected only two minutes to the end of the game when they were awarded a free-kick that was well taken by skipper Ronaldo, through the Spanish wall to the top corner of the sticks for an equaliser and completing a hat-trick for the Real Madrid forward.

With a man of the match performance, Ronaldo ensured he scored his first goal against Spain and he did it in style with a hat-trick.

The former Manchester United forward also ensured he scored his 51st career hat-trick .