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Football

17th Jun 2018

Diego Costa: I wish I was like Ronaldo

Not what you expect to hear from Diego Costa

Reuben Pinder

We’re all thinking it.

Diego Costa led the line expertly for Spain in the group opener against rivals Portugal on Friday night. His battering ram style complemented by the creativity of Isco, David Silva and Andrés Iniesta combined brilliantly, as Spain came back from a goal down to take a 3-2 lead thanks to a brace from Diego Costa.

But despite his incredible performance, Costa was outshone by Cristiano Ronaldo, whose responsibility to carry the Portugal side is a task he relishes and thrives in.

Ronaldo gave Portugal an early lead, put Spain 2-1 up with the help of a David De Gea mistake, and then clinched a draw in the last few minutes with a deadly free kick.

Ronaldo’s ability to deliver consistently in high-pressure moments is something every other footballer envies, especially Diego Costa. Speaking to Cadena COPE after the game, Costa said:

“You have to congratulate Cristiano.

“Criticise him and look what happens… it’s better to leave him alone, I wish I was like him.”

He continued: “I’m very happy, but we had the game tied up and a foul let them equalise.”

“It was a very nice and well-contested match, but we leave here with a strange feeling. We came back from behind and had it in our hands yet let it escape.”

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