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15th June 2018
09:22pm BST

But Costa responded again to draw Spain level after the break.
The 2010 World Cup winners won a free-kick 30 yards from goal and Silva floated a ball to the back post. Busquets his header and knocked it across the goal-line, where Costa was ready and waiting to bundle the ball over the line.
https://twitter.com/RTEsoccer/status/1007702933331369984
On his 20th cap, the Atletico Madrid forward got the eighth and ninth goals of his Spain career, and helped drag his team back into the tie.
Nacho's wonder strike looked to have won Spain the game, and put them in pole position to win the group, until Ronaldo popped up again to score his third with an incredible free-kick.
https://twitter.com/RTEsoccer/status/1007711220118347777
As he always does, Ronaldo will get the headlines tomorrow, but Costa deserves a mention for his excellent performance. He offers Spain something that have lacked in recent years, a more direct option capable of stretching the opposition.
The Brazilian-born striker was brilliant on Friday night. He hassled and harried Portugal's central-defenders, dragged them out of position and rarely gave them a moment's rest. He appeared to elbow Pepe in the build-up to his first goal, but it's Pepe, and to rescind the goal would have been cruel after all Costa's hard work.
It's not like Pepe doesn't deserve an elbow every now and again.
https://twitter.com/amadoit__/status/1007707473271246849
Costa also complimented Spain's midfield wizards. He helped create space with his runs and occupied Portugal's defenders. He is also the only player in the Spain squad who could have scored those type of goals against Portugal.
If Spain are to go far in this tournament, Costa will be crucial.Explore more on these topics: