Cristiano Ronaldo wiped his eyes as the final whistle blew at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Monday night, cheering the fans in the stands for the last time in a World Cup shirt. Spain beat Portugal 1-0 thanks to Mikel Merino’s stoppage time header to progress to the quarter-finals. And with that single goal, Ronaldo’s World Cup story ended. Six tournaments, 27 appearances, 11 goals, a lifetime of moments, have come to an end.“I’m sad to leave the World Cup in this way,” Ronaldo said afterwards. “As I said yesterday, I gave my all, and I leave with a clear conscience. That’s the life of a footballer. You have to move on.” At 41, Ronaldo is the only player in history to have scored in six World Cups, and he has scored three times in this tournament. But the one trophy that has always eluded him, the World Cup, missing from a collection that includes five Ballon d’Or awards, a European Championship title in 2016 and two UEFA Nations League triumphs with Portugal. The deepest he ever went in a World Cup was the 2006 semi-finals, his tournament debut.Also read: The world of football erupts over Donald Trump’s role in the Balogun FIFA U-turn“I gave everything. I won three titles with Portugal,” he said. “The Euro 2016 title is on the same level as a World Cup.”
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo in tears after the World Cup Round of 16 defeat against rivals Spain. (AP Photo/Jessica Tobias)
He confirmed that it was his final World Cup, although he stopped short of announcing international retirement, saying there was time to think and be with his family before making any decision.Portugal coach Roberto Martinez was unequivocal in his praise. “We are talking about an icon in football,” he said. “There is not much Cristiano Ronaldo. We should be thankful for what he did in this World Cup. An example like the human being that is behind the sportsman.”Also read: Tearful Neymar announces immediate international retirement after Brazil’s shock World Cup defeat in NorwayRonaldo ends his World Cup journey with 27 appearances, second only to Messi’s 30 and 11 goals, tied for ninth on the all-time list.He wanted the World Cup more than anything. Football gave him almost everything else. On Monday night in Texas, the dream that never came true finally said its goodbyes and Ronaldo, bright-eyed, cheered all the way down the tunnel.
