Cristiano Ronaldo wiped his eyes as the final whistle blew at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Monday night, applauding the fans in the stands for the last time in a World Cup shirt. Spain beat Portugal 1-0 with a stoppage-time header by Mikel Merino to advance to the quarter-finals. And with that one goal, Ronaldo’s World Cup story ended. Six tournaments, 27 appearances, 11 goals, a lifetime of moments, over.“I’m sad to leave the World Cup this way,” Ronaldo said afterwards. “As I said yesterday, I gave everything, and I will leave with a clear conscience. That is the life of a footballer. You have to move on.” At 41, Ronaldo is the only player in history to score 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, remains missing from a collection that includes five Ballon d’Or awards, a European Championship title in 2016 and two UEFA Nations League victories in Portugal. The deepest he went in a World Cup was the 2006 semi-final, his debut in the tournament.Also read: The football world has exploded over Donald Trump’s role in FIFA’s Balogun red-card U-turn“I gave everything. I won three titles in Portugal,” he said. “The 2016 Euros title is on the same level as a World Cup.”
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo cried after the World Cup round of 16 defeat against rival Spain. (AP Photo/Jessica Tobias)
He confirmed that this would be his last World Cup, although he did not announce international retirement, saying that he had time to think and be with his family before making any decisions.Portugal coach Roberto Martinez is unequivocal in his praise. “We are talking about a football icon,” he said. “There are not many Cristiano Ronaldos. We should be thankful for what he has done in this World Cup. An example like the man behind the sportsman.”Also read: Tearful Neymar announces immediate international retirement after Brazil’s shock World Cup defeat in NorwayRonaldo finished 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 wants 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 goodbye and Ronaldo, eyes sparkling, clapped all the way to the tunnel.