Gerard Pique says Cristiano Ronaldo “has a habit of throwing himself to the ground” after the Portuguese star denied Spain three points with a hat-trick that involved a debatable penalty in a thrilling 3-3 draw, but said David De Gea is not suffering from a lack of confidence as he backed the goalkeeper as Spain’s undoubted No 1 despite the error that led to Ronaldo’s second.
The reigning Ballon D’Or winner saved the game for Portugal with a supreme late free-kick, after Spain had generally had the better of it. Pique’s frustration was clear.
“We had more chances, they had three shots on goal, and scored three goals,” the Spanish defender said. “Matches go a certain way and you have to face up to it. To see yourself in the first game of a World Cup go behind to a penalty after two minutes, you have to have a good feeling after how the game went. Ronaldo has a habit of throwing himself to the ground.”
The second of those goals involved De Gea letting a low shot slip through his fingers, but Pique wouldn’t blame his teammate.
“He has a few years in the game and all of us are behind him, knowing that in the important moments he’s going to be like he’s always been. He doesn’t have any lack of confidence, that’s what you want to suggest, but in the dressing room, it’s clear David is our number one. He’s shown it so many years.”
