Cristiano Ronaldo wiped his eyes as the final whistle blew at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Monday night, applauding the fans for the last time in a World Cup shirt. Spain beat Portugal 1-0 through Mikel Merino’s header to advance to the quarter-finals. And with that one goal, Ronaldo’s World Cup story ended. Six celebrations, 27 appearances, 11 goals, a lifetime, it’s over.“I’m sad to leave the World Cup like this,” Ronaldo said afterwards. “As I said yesterday, I gave everything, and I leave with a clear conscience. That’s the life of football. You have to move forward.” At the age of 41, Ronaldo is the only player in history to have scored in six World Cups, and scored three times in the competition. But one trophy that always eludes him, the World Cup, which is still missing from a list that includes five Ballon d’Or awards, the title of the European Championship in 2016 and victory in the UEFA Nations League with Portugal. The deepest he ever went at a World Cup was the 2006 semi-final, his first tournament.Also read: The world of football has erupted over Donald Trump’s role in FIFA’s Balogun Red-turn U-turn“I have given everything. I have won three titles with Portugal,” he said. “The title of the 2016 Euros is on the same level as the World Cup.”
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo breaks down in tears after losing the World Cup round of 16 match against Spain. (AP Photo/Jessica Tobias)
He confirmed it was his last World Cup, although he stopped short of announcing his international retirement, saying there was time to think and be with his family before making a decision.Portugal coach Roberto Martinez was unequivocal in his praise. “We’re talking about an image in football,” he said. “There aren’t many Cristiano Ronaldos. We have to appreciate what he did at this World Cup. An example as a person behind the scenes.”Also read: Tearful Neymar announced his retirement immediately following Brazil’s World Cup defeat in NorwayRonaldo ends his World Cup campaign with 27 appearances, second only to Messi’s 30 goals and 11, who is ninth on the all-time list.He wanted the World Cup more than anything else. Football gave him almost everything else. On Monday night in Texas, the unfulfilled dream waved goodbye and Ronaldo, eyes sparkling, clapped his hands all the way to the sidewalk.