On the second day of the 2018 World Cup, Portugal’s irrepressible captain Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick and rescued his side with a dramatic 3-3 draw in an enthralling Group B match against neighbours Spain at Sochi.

In by far the best game of the tournament, Spain forward Diego Costa notched a double before Nacho put them 3-2 ahead for the first time in the game with a brilliant third in the 58th minute.

But there was more drama to come as Portugal won a free kick about 20 metres out in the 88th minute.

Ronaldo rolled up his shorts, stepped forward and curled the ball around the wall into the top corner to set off delirious celebrations amongst the Portugal players and fans.

It is the first hat-trick in the ongoing World Cup and grabbed his side a point. Ronaldo also became the first player to score in eight consecutive major international tournaments.

In the day’s other encounters, Uruguay defeated an Egypt side shorn of star man Mohamed Salah 1-0 in Group A, while an own goal in stoppage time, seemingly sent from the heavens, gave Iran a 1-0 win over Morocco in their World Cup opener in Group B.

Four matches are scheduled for today. France will face Australia at 3.30 p.m, Argentina will meet Iceland at 6.30 p.m., Peru will take on Denmark at 9.30 p.m., while Croatia will play against Nigeria, just after midnight.