Portugal look to grow with Cristiano Ronaldo after two close shaves | David Hytner

The forward is growing a superstitious goatee at the World Cup, but the Euro 2016 champions can’t continue to ride their luck

When Cristiano Ronaldo scored his opening goal of this World Cup – the early penalty in Portugal’s 3-3 draw with Spain – he added a twist to his usual celebration. Standing by the corner flag, he jutted out his chin and stroked his newly-sprouted goatee beard.

Naturally, the internet knew why he had done so. It was a riposte to his great rival, Lionel Messi, who had posed in a photoshoot with a goat before the tournament to proclaim his Greatest-Of-All-Time status. Ronaldo believes that he is the greatest. Hence the message via the goatee.

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