End of the World Cup Road for Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal Fall to Spain
Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream of winning the FIFA World Cup ended in heartbreaking fashion after Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the Round of 16.
The 41-year-old forward was left in tears after Mikel Merino scored a dramatic injury-time winner in Dallas to send Spain into the quarter-finals and bring an end to Ronaldo’s World Cup journey.
Ronaldo had already confirmed before the tournament that this would be his final World Cup. Although he has enjoyed one of the greatest careers in football history, the famous trophy remained out of his reach.
The Portuguese captain ends his World Cup career with several records. He scored in a record six different World Cups and has netted 976 goals for club and country. He also won five Ballon d’Or awards, five UEFA Champions League titles and the UEFA Euro 2016 with Portugal.
His closest chance of winning the World Cup came in 2006 when Portugal reached the semi-finals.
After the defeat, Ronaldo did not confirm whether he would continue playing for Portugal.
“I will meet the family and take decisions with a calm head,” he said.
Debate Over Ronaldo’s Role
Ronaldo started all of Portugal’s matches at the tournament, but his performances sparked debate.
Against Spain, he touched the ball only 19 times in 90 minutes, had three shots and created just one chance for a teammate.
Former England striker Chris Sutton strongly criticised Portugal manager Roberto Martínez for keeping Ronaldo in the starting lineup.
“He did nothing,” Sutton said, adding that Portugal were knocked out because the manager continued to rely on the veteran striker instead of younger attacking options.
Ronaldo finished the tournament with three goals, including two against Uzbekistan and a penalty against Croatia. However, despite taking 18 shots during the competition, he created only one chance for a teammate in five matches.
Martinez Announces Exit
Following Portugal’s elimination, Roberto Martínez announced he was leaving his role as head coach.
“I came to Portugal with the objective of winning the World Cup and because I haven’t won it, it wouldn’t make sense to continue,” he said.
Despite the criticism, Martínez praised Ronaldo’s commitment.
“We need to thank him for what he tried to do at this World Cup. His dream was to win this World Cup. He is a prime example of football and the human being behind the athlete.”
Ronaldo’s Legacy Remains
Although Ronaldo’s World Cup dream is over, his place among football’s greatest players is secure.
He is the only player to score in six different World Cups and remains the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football with 146 goals for Portugal.
His long rivalry with Lionel Messi will continue to be part of football history. Messi won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, while Ronaldo retires from the tournament without lifting the famous trophy.
Former teammate Wayne Rooney paid tribute to Ronaldo, saying:
“He is a genius and a superstar. What he has given to football is something very rare. He will be disappointed because he believed he could win this tournament. But time gets us all. It’s a sad day for football.”
For millions of football fans around the world, Ronaldo’s final World Cup ended in disappointment, but his achievements and influence on the game will be remembered for generations.
