cristiano ronaldo As the final whistle blew at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Monday night, he wiped his eyes and applauded the fans in the stands wearing a World Cup jersey for the last time. Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 thanks to Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time header and advanced to the quarter-finals. With this goal, Ronaldo’s World Cup story ended. Six games, 27 appearances, 11 goals and the moment of a lifetime was over.“I’m sorry to leave the World Cup in this way,” Ronaldo said after the game. “As I said yesterday, I gave it my all and I leave with a clear conscience. This is the life of a footballer. You have to move on.” The 41-year-old Ronaldo is the only player in history to score in six World Cups. He has scored three goals in this World Cup. But he was never able to win the World Cup, which was missing from his five Ballon d’Ors, Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles with Portugal. The deepest he has played in the World Cup was the 2006 semi-finals, which was his World Cup debut.Also read: Football world erupts over Donald Trump’s role in Balogun red card U-turn at FIFA“I’ve given everything. I won three titles with Portugal,” he said. “The Euro 2016 championship is on the same level as the World Cup.”
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears after losing to rivals Spain in the last 16 of the World Cup. (AP Photo/Jessica Tobias)
He confirmed this was his last World Cup, although he stopped short of announcing his retirement from the national team and said he would have time to think and be with his family before making any decisions.Portugal coach Roberto Martinez was unequivocal in his praise. “We’re talking about icons in football,” he said. “There are not many Cristiano Ronaldo. We must thank him for everything he has done in this World Cup. He is an example of the man behind the athlete.”Also read: After Brazil’s World Cup defeat to Norway, Neymar burst into tears and announced his immediate retirementRonaldo ended his World Cup journey with 27 appearances, tied for ninth on the all-time list behind Messi’s 30 and 11 goals.What he wants most is the World Cup. Football gave him almost everything. The dream that never came true finally came to an end on Monday night in Texas, with Ronaldo’s eyes sparkling as he clapped his way to the tunnel.
