Portugal boss Fernando Santos has heaped praise upon Cristiano after a stunning hat-trick saw the Selecao das Quinas salvage a point in a breathtaking 3-3 draw against Spain at the World Cup.
Friday’s Iberian derby was certainly one to remember, as Cristiano Ronaldo helped Portugal to their first point in Group B following a brace from Diego Costa and a sensational volley from Nacho.

Were it not for Ronaldo, Portugal could very well have been on the wrong end of a spanking, and Portugal boss Fernando Santos has recognised the importance and quality of his captain.
Following the match against Spain, Santos said to reporters:
“When it was 3-2 he was the one who raised his team. He plays in great teams, is always in great finals so that gives him a different perspective.”
Following his performance against Spain, Ronaldo earned a series of accolades, including becoming the oldest player to score a hat-trick at the World Cup and becoming the first player to ever score in eight consecutive major tournaments.
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