Sports
CRISTIANO Ronaldo’s quest to win the FIFA World Cup ended in tears on Tuesday after Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16.
The 41-year-old captain broke down at the final whistle after Mikel Merino struck an injury-time winner to send Spain into the quarter-finals.
Ronaldo had earlier confirmed that the 2026 tournament would be his last World Cup appearance.
The Portuguese legend leaves the World Cup without the only major trophy missing from an illustrious career that includes five Ballon d’Or awards, five UEFA Champions League titles and the 2016 European Championship.
He also holds the men’s world record for international goals and became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments.
Portugal’s best World Cup finish during Ronaldo’s career remained the semi-final appearance in 2006.
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo declined to confirm whether he would continue playing for Portugal.
“I will meet the family and take decisions with a calm head,” he said.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez announced his resignation immediately after the defeat.
Martinez paid tribute to Ronaldo, describing him as “a football icon” who led by example throughout the tournament.
“We need to thank him for what he tried to do at this World Cup.
“His dream was to win this World Cup, and he pursued it with an amazing example,” Martinez said.
The coach, however, came under criticism over his continued reliance on Ronaldo.
Former England striker Chris Sutton said Portugal’s elimination was largely down to Martinez’s decision to keep Ronaldo in the starting line-up.
He argued that younger striker Gonçalo Ramos should have featured more prominently.
Ronaldo finished the tournament with three goals from five matches.
Statistics showed he attempted 18 shots but created only one chance for a teammate throughout the competition.
He also recorded just 19 touches during the defeat to Spain.
Martinez defended his decision to retain Ronaldo, saying his experience, aerial presence and ability from set-pieces remained valuable.
“When you need a goal, you cannot take Cristiano off.
“His presence and experience are important,” he said.
The defeat is also expected to reignite comparisons between Ronaldo and long-time rival Lionel Messi in the debate over football’s greatest player.
Messi won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, a title that eluded Ronaldo throughout his international career.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney praised Ronaldo’s remarkable contribution to football.
“He is a genius and a superstar.
“What he has given to football and millions of people is something very rare.
“He believed he could win this tournament, but time gets us all. It is a sad day for football,” Rooney said.
Tags: Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal exits world Cup