It was the only the first full day of games at the 2018 World Cup, but Friday may end up as the most memorable of the month long tournament.
There were three goals scored in the 87th minute of later, two of which won games. We had the first hat trick, which just about locked up another Ballon D'Or for the reigning one.
But there was also heartbreak for two teams in particular, who played so well for so long, with nothing to show for their efforts.
RESULTS
Group A
Uruguay 1-0 Egypt
Group B
Iran 1-0 Morocco
Spain 3-3 Portugal
THREE STARS OF THE FRIDAY MATCHES
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Two first half goals from the reigning World Player of the Year had the Portuguese side up 2-1 over Group B favorites Spain at the half. But Diego Costa's second goal of the contest, plus a Nacho goal three minutes later, had Spain back in the lead.
It looked likely that those goals would give Spain the inside track to the knockout stages, with Portugal on the back foot for most of the second half. But a late foul just outside the box gave Ronaldo one final chance, and he made it count.
Ronaldo bent the ball around the wall from 25 yards, to complete his 51st career hat trick, and give Portugal a share of the spoils.
Diego Costa, Spain
The Atletico Madrid forward dragged Spain back into the match after halftime, with his second goal of the day. With all the talent in the Spanish squad, it may be Costa that is the key to their hopes to win a second World Cup title in three tournaments.
Jose Jimenez, Uruguay
Playing without injured star Mohamed Salah, Egypt sat deep, and tried to frustrate Uruguay. The strategy worked for 75 minutes (but for a Luis Suarez horror miss), until the Egyptian team started to tire.
The Uruguayans started to push forward, and a free kick from Edinson Cavani struck the post in the 89th minute. But a second free kick in succession doomed Egypt, as Jimenez's powerful 89th minute header gave Uruguay a massive 1-0 win.
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