Chapter 619: The Decisive Moment
"Cristiano Ronaldo! Ronaldo! Ah... ah..." For a moment, the commentator was utterly speechless. Then, as if snapping back to reality, he exclaimed, "Ah! Portugal has scored! The scorer is Cristiano Ronaldo! That's his third goal of the match! Portugal has equalized with Spain!"
"The scorer is Cristiano Ronaldo. What an unexpected turn of events! This goal originally came from a counterattack by Spain, a golden opportunity for them to score. But who could have imagined it? Bruno Fernandes performed a world-class goal-line clearance, launching Portugal's counterattack. Cristiano Ronaldo completes a hat-trick and brings Portugal back to a tie!"
After scoring the goal, Ronaldo didn't celebrate immediately. He stood still, staring blankly at the ball lying in the net. In his mind, it was like an explosion: I scored a hat-trick! Against Spain! In the World Cup!
Then he started to run. For the third time in this match, he sprinted toward the corner flag, leaped high, and spun in mid-air.
"SIU!"
Seeing Ronaldo's hat-trick, Portugal's coach, Santos, instinctively raised his arms in celebration, though his expression was peculiar—both surprised and vindicated. Ronaldo, you didn't disappoint me. You lived up to my trust!
Over at Spain's bench, interim head coach Hierro's face froze. Then he erupted in anger: "Damn it! Damn it! Why didn't anyone defend? What were they even doing?!"
But after his outburst, Hierro sighed. He was exhausted, disheartened, even numb. Who could have predicted Bruno's miraculous goal-line clearance? Or that Portugal's counterattack would be so efficient?
Is there no justice in the world?!
The commentator was ecstatic.
"Cristiano Ronaldo scores a stunning goal with the outside of his foot! 3-3! Portugal has equalized! Incredible!"
"Bruno's goal-line clearance initiated the counterattack. Quaresma selflessly provided the assist, and Ronaldo's finish was clinical. Portugal's counterattack was as fast as lightning—efficient and deadly!"
"This is Cristiano Ronaldo's first hat-trick in a World Cup! He's now the ninth player in World Cup history to achieve this and the second Portuguese player to do so. Pauleta was the first, scoring a hat-trick in the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup!"
"This match is truly spectacular. Ronaldo's early goal in the first half shifted the game's momentum, and now, as the second half draws to a close, his third goal could be the equalizer Portugal desperately needed!"
This goal caught Santos off guard. He had already resigned himself to a loss.
Just moments ago, Santos had been strategizing how Portugal should approach the final minutes of the match. Now, that problem had been solved instantly.
More importantly, Santos realized the psychological blow this goal dealt to Spain.
After their strong second-half performance and apparent dominance, Spain's players likely believed the match was theirs. They had probably started thinking about how to secure first place in the group and prepare for the next game.
But just as victory seemed within reach, Portugal scored. This shattered the morale and confidence of the Spanish players.
This isn't the kind of setback that a few shouted instructions from the coach can fix in a short time.
Strike while the iron is hot.
Santos immediately adjusted the team's strategy to launch a strong offensive. He wanted to capitalize on Spain's disorganized state and pressure them relentlessly. Even if Portugal couldn't score, they needed to show their fighting spirit.
If Portugal could maintain this momentum, it would deliver another psychological blow to Spain.
As the game resumed, Portugal pressed forward aggressively, launching attack after attack on Spain's goal.
This sudden burst of offense was both unexpected and ferocious, leaving Spain struggling to adapt.
"Portugal has suddenly picked up the pace. They now dominate the field, with Spain pinned back in their own half."
Watching Portugal's aggressive push, Hierro felt a flicker of hope instead of fear. In his mind, Portugal's decision to abandon a defensive strategy in favor of an all-out attack after equalizing was sheer madness.
He didn't understand why the experienced Santos would make such a gamble. But Hierro immediately recognized an opportunity for Spain.
With Portugal's defense stretched thin, Spain needed just one or two chances to secure the victory.
But Hierro's optimism was short-lived. He soon realized his error as Spain struggled to break free from Portugal's relentless pressure.
From the sidelines, Hierro shouted commands, urging his players to "stay strong," "there's still time," and "score, come on!" But his words had little effect.
Despite boasting attacking talents like Aspas, Isco, and Vázquez, Spain found themselves on the back foot. Their play became increasingly disjointed, hurried, and chaotic. Meanwhile, Portugal, riding the wave of their newfound confidence, continued to threaten Spain's goal.
In the 88th minute, Bruno Fernandes combined beautifully with João Mário and Quaresma in a series of quick passes. The play ended with a sharp through-ball to the right flank. Cédric cut inside, feigning a pass to Ronaldo but instead sent the ball to the left wing, where Guerreiro made a surprise run into the box. His shot from a tight angle skimmed the outside of the post and went out for a goal kick.
Spain's goalkeeper, David de Gea, yelled in frustration, voicing his dissatisfaction with his team's chaotic defense and growing tension.
Spain, being the formidable side they are, launched a dangerous counterattack moments later. Thiago delivered a pinpoint pass from 30 meters out, slicing through Portugal's defense like a scalpel. Aspas lunged for the ball, narrowly missing the target as it grazed the post.
Portugal immediately responded.
Just a minute later, Bruno was fouled by Busquets during a driving run, earning Portugal a free kick in a dangerous position.
Ronaldo stepped up to take it. His shot skimmed just over the crossbar, sending Spanish fans into a collective gasp of relief.
As time ticked away, the stalemate persisted. Both teams seemed to accept that a draw was the most likely outcome—one they could begrudgingly live with.
The players on the pitch, having given their all for nearly 90 minutes, were visibly exhausted. Even the fans in the stands seemed to have run out of energy, their chants and cheers gradually fading.
Portugal maintained possession, but Spain's high press made it difficult for them to advance the ball into the final third.
When João Mário received the ball, he was immediately harried by Koke. Just as João Mário considered passing back to his defenders, he noticed Bruno Fernandes running back to receive the ball. Bruno raised his hand, signaling for the pass, and cleverly positioned himself to evade Koke's pressure.
Without hesitation, João Mário played a low pass directly to Bruno's feet.
Bruno controlled the ball, turned, and accelerated forward as if he knew instinctively there were no defenders behind him.
Spain's Lucas Vázquez was the first to chase him, with Nacho also closing in.
Bruno quickly passed the ball sideways to André Silva and sprinted forward with all his might.
Silva, sensing the opportunity, lofted the ball over the defenders, allowing Bruno to chase it down.
"Portugal launches another attack down the right wing."
"It's Bruno again, battling for the ball with Nacho."
"Bruno's speed gives him the edge as he races past Nacho toward the ball."
In the stands, Portugal's fans erupted in cheers, their excitement rekindled by the sudden turn of events.
Bruno, determined to reach the ball first, ignored the subtle pulls and tugs from Nacho. His only thought was to control the ball and create another chance for his team.
🔥 Get 30% off on my Patreon and enjoy early access to new chapters.
You can also purchase the next 100 chapters of the novel directly from my Patreon page.
⏰ Hurry up! The promotion ends on January 10, 2026.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10