cristiano ronaldo As the final whistle blew at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Monday night, he wiped his eyes and applauded fans in the stands for the last time wearing a World Cup jersey. Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 with Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time header and advanced to the quarterfinals. 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 everything I had 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 scored three goals in this World Cup. But a World Cup trophy has eluded him and he has been absent from 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 FIFA’s Balogun red card U-turn“I gave 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 and although he did not announce his retirement from the national team, he 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 football icons,” 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. On Monday night in Texas, the dream that never came true finally came to an end, and Ronaldo’s eyes sparkled as he clapped his way into the tunnel.
