Spanish defender Gerard Pique was left unimpressed by what he felt was Cristiano Ronaldo ‘exaggerating’ contact to earn fouls after last night’s thrilling World Cup match against Portugal.
Ronaldo gave Portugal the lead very early on when he converted a penalty after being fouled by Nacho in the penalty box. The Spanish media were even suggesting that it was a dive from the Real Madrid star that earned Portugal a penalty in just the second minute of the match. Ronaldo tricked Nacho into a tackle before he went down inside the area, perhaps a bit too easily.
Spain were dominating phases of the game, twice coming back from behind through two brilliant goals from Diego Costa before they took the lead with a goal from full-back Nacho. Late in the game, Ronaldo earned a foul after Pique floored him just outside the area. The game finished 3-3 after Portugal’s star man scored from the resulting free-kick in the 88th minute to complete a memorable hat-trick and draw the match.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Pique and Ronaldo have a history as former teammates at Manchester United and they regularly lock horns in La Liga this days while playing for Barcelona and Real Madrid. The Barcelona defender said that Spain were the better side and luck had played a hand in the outcome of the match.
"We have had more chances. They had three shots and scored three goals," the Barcelona defender said.
"Games go one way and you have to face it.
"Finding yourself in the opening game of a World Cup with a penalty against you in the second minute, you have to leave with good feelings after how the match went.
"Cristiano is prone to diving.”
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