By Jude Summerfield
Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears as he left the pitch following Portugal’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup at the hands of Morocco.
The free agent striker was placed on the bench again as he was in Selecao’s win against Switzerland in the round of 16, although he did gain more minutes after his side went behind just before half-time with a header from Youssef En-Nesyri.
Ronaldo was introduced in the 51st minute but there was to be no grandstand finish for the 37-year-old, who saw his only opportunity well saved by Atlas Lions goalkeeper Bono.
While there were scenes of jubilation from Morocco’s players and fans as they celebrated a well-deserved and famous victory, becoming the first African and Arab team ever to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, the flip side saw the players of Portugal upset being consoled, while Ronaldo was mourned at the result.
Speculation about the Portuguese striker’s future will mount after his elimination. He is currently without a club and will be around 40 when the next World Cup arrives.
Ronaldo became the first male player to score in five different World Cup tournaments with his penalty against Ghana, though he’s struggled to make an impact in the tournament overall throughout his career.
His Portugal finished fourth in 2006 but won just three games in 2010, 2014 and 2018, with two knockout rounds and one group stage exit. 2018 saw them defeated by Uruguay in the round of 16.
This article was originally posted on 90min.com as Cristiano Ronaldo in tears after Portugal’s elimination from the World Cup.
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