World Cup 2018: Gerard Pique accuses Cristiano Ronaldo of diving to win early penalty in Spain v Portugal thriller
The Barcelona centre-back believed the Real Madrid ace conned the ref, despite clearly being tripped by Nacho
SPANISH defender Gerard Pique has accused Cristiano Ronaldo of diving to win Portugal's early penalty during their Group B opener.
The Barcelona ace has claimed that the 33-year-old "has a habit of throwing himself to the ground" despite replays clearly showing he was tripped.
Ronaldo's Real Madrid team-mate Nacho was fooled by a step over from the ex-Manchester United ace, who stuck out a lazy leg in an effort to stop him.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner stepped up, and coolly slotted home the spot-kick in the bottom right corner to score in his fourth World Cup.
And Ronaldo broke Spanish hearts in the 88th minute as he netted an exquisite free-kick to seal his hat-trick as the Euro 2016 winners salvaged a point in an epic 3-3 draw.
Pique was the man that fouled the ex-Sporting Lisbon star that awarded Portugal the late set piece, and he has been left less than impressed with Ronaldo's antics.
Speaking after the match, he said: "We had more chances, they had three shots on goal, and scored three goals.
“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."
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While Pique has also defended David De Gea after his nightmare howler gifted Ronaldo's second goal of the match.
He added: "He has been doing this for many years and we all face it, I'm sure that in important moments he will be how he has always been.
"A lack of confidence? Not at all, it's what you want to suggest.
"In the dressing room it's clear that David is our goalkeeper, he's shown it for years."