Cristiano Ronaldo walks down the tunnel in TEARS as Portugal become the latest World Cup heavyweights to be dumped out after a shock defeat by giant-killers Morocco
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Cristiano Ronaldo was captured walking off in tears after Portugal were dumped out of the 2022 World Cup following a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Morocco.
Ronaldo, 37, came off the bench to replace Ruben Neves early in the second half with Portugal trailing 1-0 after Youssef En-Nesyri’s opener.
The former Manchester United star was unable to inspire his country back into the contest, only managing to amass 10 touches and one shot in 40 minutes of action, according to WhoScored.com.
Cristiano Ronaldo is captured walking off in tears as Portugal are dumped out of the World Cup
The 37-year-old was left heartbroken after suffering a shock 1-0 quarter-final loss to Morocco
The forward was unable to inspire an equaliser for Portugal after being brought off the bench
Ronaldo also squandered a late chance after drilling a right-footed effort into goalkeeper Yassine Bounou’s hands, which was among a string of Portugal opportunities as they chased an all-important equaliser.
The final whistle left the forward heartbroken after failing to keep his dreams of one last crack at football’s greatest prize alive.
He will be 41 when the next World Cup comes around in 2026, meaning that was most likely his final opportunity to lift the trophy.
The current free agent did manage to break a few records in Qatar, despite starting on the bench in Portugal’s two knockout matches.
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Ronaldo missed a chance late on as his effort was drilled low into the goalkeeper’s hands
He scored in their opening fixture to become the first player to score in five different World Cups, before levelling the record for most men’s international caps when he came off the bench against Morocco.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has matched the total of Kuwait forward Badr Al-Mutawa, adding yet another record to his legendary CV.
ITV pundit Ally McCoist, however, insisted it is not about Ronaldo after watching him walk down the tunnel in tears.
He said: ‘Yes Ronaldo is upset, but It is not about [Ronaldo] him tonight. His time has been.
The final whistle left the forward heartbroken after failing to keep his World Cup dream alive
‘It is all about Morocco this evening. What an example they have shown with that organisation, the flair, the ability to work for each other.
‘If we are brutally honest, Pepe had a chance at the end, but I can’t remember anything else.’
Morocco made history by becoming the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final with their shock victory.
They will now face either France or England in the final four of the tournament in Qatar.
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