Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest to lift the FIFA World Cup ended in disappointment after Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16, bringing the curtain down on what he had described as his final appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
The late winner from Mikel Merino sent Spain into the quarterfinals and left Ronaldo in tears after Portugal failed to find an equaliser. Moments after a stoppage-time free-kick opportunity went begging, the 41-year-old was seen visibly emotional as his World Cup dream came to an end.
Ronaldo refuses to rush decision on Portugal future
Addressing reporters after the match, Ronaldo confirmed it had been his last FIFA World Cup but stopped short of announcing his retirement from international football.
“I am sad to be leaving the World Cup like this. I gave it my all. I did my best, and I am leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I will now have time to reflect and be with my family. I would not be making any rash decisions,” he said.
“I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment,” he added.
Ronaldo also reflected on his achievements with Portugal, saying the national team had won its biggest honours during his era.
“I have won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won a single title. The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as significant to me as a World Cup,” he said.
A World Cup career filled with milestones
Ronaldo’s World Cup career ended after 27 appearances, the second-highest by any player, and 11 goals.
According to the tournament statistics, he also finished with an unwanted record after registering 17 shots in this World Cup without creating a single chance for a teammate.
Despite Portugal’s exit, the veteran forward added several milestones during the tournament.
Against Croatia in the Round of 32, he became the first player to feature in a FIFA World Cup knockout match at the age of 41 or older. That fixture also became the first World Cup match to feature two outfield players aged over 40, with Ronaldo lining up against former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric.
The appearance also made him the oldest goalscorer in World Cup knockout history at 41 years and 147 days. It was also his first goal in the knockout stage of the competition.
Portugal’s campaign
Portugal opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo before registering a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan.
Ronaldo scored twice in that match to become Portugal’s all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 10 goals, overtaking Eusebio’s tally of nine. The brace also made him the first footballer to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions and ended a 10-match goal drought across the World Cup and UEFA European Championship.
Portugal finished the group stage with a goalless draw against Colombia before progressing to the knockout rounds.
Ronaldo thanks Roberto Martinez
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez also confirmed his departure following the team’s elimination.
Ronaldo praised the coach and thanked him for his contribution.
“I loved working with him,” Ronaldo said.
“A great manager, a great human being, and what he’s done for Portugal is to be commended. I want to thank him and wish him every happiness.
“It is always sad to be knocked out of a major tournament. It is the World Cup. The team was really coming into its own. We played well, in my view. It could have gone either way, but that’s football. We have to pick ourselves up and carry on.”