The WildFlower

All the results of the just concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup

Who will the 2026 FIFA World Cup

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Ronaldo. Who else?

Ronaldo might be retiring soon, but as of now, it is not official, and the world of football has gone down memory lane to remind itself of the greatest Portuguese player.

I have seen many matches where Ronaldo has shone brightest, but one stands out in my mind, partly because it was full of suspense, intrigue, and the characters involved.

If there's any World Cup match that should be considered for Netflix, it is the Group B 2018 FIFA World Cup clash between Portugal and Spain.

Players don't need to win a match to show the world the substance they are made of; the remarkable game in Sochi was synonymous with Mbappé's exploits at the 2022 World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, which ended 3-3 at full time, where he scored a hat-trick.

WORLD CUP 2018: PORTUGAL 3-3 SPAIN

Xavier Hernández Creus had retired, but the Spanish midfield parade included Thiago Alcântara (Bayern Munich), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), Isco (Real Madrid), Koke (Atlético Madrid), Saúl Ñíguez (Atlético Madrid), and David Silva (Manchester City).

This calibre of players is what Nigerians call Ajé (witch) in our local parlance — they are no ordinary players; they are gods of the centre midfield. I can imagine someone taking a deep breath while reading their names, considering their exploits and capabilities.

Out of the lot, Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta, and David Silva were the only players who won the country's first-ever World Cup and were part of the 2018 World Cup held in Russia; in total, they were six, including Gerard Piqué, Sergio Ramos, and Pepe Reina.

Except for the goalkeeper, five were in the starting eleven at the Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi on June 18, 2018; they are World Cup winners, serial champions, game changers. Others include Diego Costa, Jordi Alba, Nacho, and David de Gea in goal.

It was the second match in Group B between Spain and the Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portuguese side, facing three of his then Real Madrid teammates, and bouncing off as European champion; it was in such a game that Ronaldo showed the world why billions of people across the globe prefer him as the GOAT. The Spanish team dominated the match but was unable to contain CR7.

Among the galaxies of stars and displays of artistry at the stadium, unpredictably, it was Ronaldo who shone the brightest and stole headlines in the six-goal thriller on the dramatic night. If not for the Portuguese's tenaciousness, Diego Costa, who scored a brace, would have unquestionably been the man of the match.

A few days before the World Cup, Adidas released their iconic (Greatest Of All Time) promotional campaign featuring Lionel Messi, which caused commotion amongst football fans. However, Ronaldo's performance at the Iberian derby a few days later was a coincidental response to Adidas and the Argentine's fanbase, reminding opposition of his artistry, which was exhilarating to football fans.

His iconic celebration after smashing his first goal of the encounter via penalty, sending De Gea the wrong way, was believed by many to be an impersonation of a goat; this further put football fans at loggerheads, while some think it was a mockery of the goalkeeper.

Twenty minutes later, Spain equalised; it was Diego Costa after overpowering the Portugal defence. His second goal was that of a poacher, shoving aside a defender before tapping home; this followed De Gea's blunder that gifted Ronaldo his second of the game.

At the 58th minute, Nacho Fernandez redeemed himself by giving his team the lead with a one-timer from outside the area, a replica of Roberto Carlos' famous free kick. With the Spanish side's dominance throughout the encounter, it was safe to say it was over for Portugal.

It wouldn't have been considered a bad game for Fernando Santos, considering there are two more games, Morocco and Iran, to play to qualify for the next round. With two minutes left to full time and a foul by Piqué, Portugal got a free kick outside the box, and it was Ronaldo to take the shot. CR7 has never scored from a free kick in his 44th attempt, so why would this be different?

His heyday as a free kick specialist was gone; the silence and anticipation as he stepped forward rippled through the hearts of millions watching, including me.

Ronaldo took his iconic stance and struck a masterful 22-yard shot that flew over the defensive wall and dipped violently into the top corner.

The world erupted.

He scored the first; they said it was a penalty.
He scored the second; they said it was the keeper's error. He scored the scintillating free kick, and they shut their mouths.

He is Cristiano Ronaldo. Who else?

It's a great advantage for Leo Messi to be a member of the Argentine's National team than the team having Messi .

There was never a time La Albiceleste was short of talents and resourcefulness in the field of play .

Leo Messi is just one of them .

What are your thoughts

Who are your favourites to play in the Final

Who will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup

France
Argentina
England
Spain