Cristiano Saves Portugal in the Iberian Derby

Now, this is the sorta match we expect to see in the World Cup.

Down in Sochi -- home of Russia's bloated Winter Olympics budget -- Portugal and Spain staged a brilliant blend of skill and drama.

The result was an emotional 3-3 draw between the favorites to lead Group B.

Following the recent head coaching drama regarding former Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui and his move to Real Madrid on the eve of the World Cup, La Roja was ironically led into battle by Real legend Fernando Hierro, who assumed the reins.

Facing the brave Portugal, with a World Class Cristiano Ronaldo, starving for goals.

Remember, the Seleção das Quinas -- a reference to their crest's five shields -- became the reigning EuroCup titlists without Ronaldo, so he was more than ready for the global limelight in this one.

Dude didn't waste any time, either. As in the 4th-minute with a penalty shot into the top right corner beyond the reach of David de Gea:

If Portugal has Ronaldo, Spain have Diego Costa.

And at the 23rd minute, he scored what the Spanish would call a golazo. Dude dribbled through a pair of Portuguese defenders before beating Rui Patricio:

Spain's spirits seemed to lift with the equalizer and remained high when Isco hit the post two minutes later.

But before the first half ended, Ronaldo took a flutter from just outside the box, firing what looked like an easy ball to handle. However, it morphed into the second Portuguese goal as de Gea inexplicably failed to get to it:

Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky used to say you don't make any of the shots you don't take.

Ronaldo is now confirmed as a believer.

 

Action stayed spectacular in the second half, as Diego Costa, again, equalized in the best Classic 9 style:

 

That's one of the best set pieces you'll ever see.

Three minutes later, though, in the 58th minute, Nacho scored a screamer with a thunderbolt from outside of the box.

The ball even hit the post before going into the net. Absolutely amazing from the Real Madrid right back!

 

Bernardo Silva and Ricardo Quaresma unsuccessfully attempted to seize the momentum for Portugal, but the Spaniards kept the control of the game with their cavalcade of scoring opportunities.

However, in the final minute of the full 90, Ronaldo was brought down by Gerard Piqué near the area. He surely knew this was likely the only way to equalize, and he did it with a stunning free kick, beating the Manchester United 'keeper once again:

3-3 was a fair result, although Hierro’s men, in general, had the run of play.

Still, Ronaldo showed once more that he can never be discounted, rarely taking the L.

The Iberians are tied with a point each, tied for second in the Group B, with Iran on the top. For now.