Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his duck of never scoring a free-kick at a major international tournament.
The Portuguese star had taken 44 direct set-pieces at World Cups and European Championships before stepping up to strike a late dead-ball against Spain in Friday’s Group B clash in Sochi.
READ: Ronaldo becomes World Cup’s oldest hat-trick hero
The Portugal captain had already scored twice at the Fisht Stadium ― a penalty and a drive that was fumbled in by David de Gea ― but the Euro 2016 champions trailed 3-2 with only three minutes to play.
Highlights: Brilliant Ronaldo hat-trick earns thrilling draw
The Real Madrid man ensured the spoils were shared, though, picking out the top-right corner of De Gea’s goal from 20 yards to complete his first World Cup hat-trick in stunning fashion.