Mikel Merino scored in injury time to kill the dream. Portugal are out of the World Cup after a 1-0 loss to Spain in Dallas, and for Cristiano Ronaldo, the tears were flowing. The 41-year-old legend walked off the pitch knowing his World Cup story has ended without the one trophy that actually matters.
It is a brutal way to go. Five Ballon d'Ors, five Champions League titles, and a record 976 goals, but the big one remains elusive. The closest he ever got was those semi-finals back in 2006. Now, at 41, the man who has scored in six different World Cups is finally finished with the tournament.
Did Ronaldo cost Portugal the game?
Some will call it a tragedy, but others call it a disaster. BBC pundit Chris Sutton didn't hold back, claiming Ronaldo was "waddling around the field like a grandad." According to Sutton, the Al-Nassr man did absolutely nothing to help his team. The verdict? Portugal are out because they insisted on playing a man whose legs have gone.
Eh! It's the eternal debate. Do you play the greatest goalscorer in history even when he's a passenger, or do you move on?
Roberto Martinez quits after Spain defeat
As if the loss wasn't enough, Roberto Martinez announced he is leaving his job immediately after the final whistle. Sutton slammed the manager for "pandering" to Ronaldo, suggesting the coach's obsession with the star cost the team their tournament life. Martinez praised his players, but the result says otherwise.
As for the man himself, Ronaldo was emotional but vague about the future. When asked if he is done with the national team for good, he said he will meet his family and make decisions with a "calm head."
But let's be honest. When you're 41 and crying on a pitch in Texas after being outplayed by Spain, the writing is on the wall. This one is finished!
Did Cristiano Ronaldo win a World Cup?
No, Cristiano Ronaldo never won the World Cup. His best finish was reaching the semi-finals in 2006.
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Source: BBC Sport
