Ronaldo finally scores major tournament set-piece at 45th attempt

Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his duck of never scoring a free-kick at a major international tournament.

Ronaldo had taken 44 direct set-pieces at World Cups and European Championships before stepping up to strike a late dead-ball against Spain in Friday’s Group B clash in Sochi.

The Portugal captain had already scored twice at the Fisht Stadium, a penalty and a drive that was fumbled in by David de Gea, but the Euro 2016 champions trailed 3-2 with only three minutes to play.

Ronaldo ensured the spoils were shared, though, picking out the top-right corner of De Gea’s goal from 20 yards to complete his first World Cup hat-trick in stunning fashion.

45 – Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-kick was the first that he has scored from a direct free-kick in a finals tournament, from what was his 45th attempt (World Cup & Euros combined). Moment. #PORESP #POR #ESP #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/hKzeGfa0Yl

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 15, 2018