KUCHING: The final whistle in Dallas signalled more than Portugal’s exit from the FIFA World Cup – it marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s 20-year journey on football’s biggest stage.
Spain’s 1-0 victory in the Round of 16 closed the final chapter of a World Cup career that spanned six tournaments, 27 matches and 11 goals, but never quite delivered the one prize the Portuguese icon craved most.
Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner settled a tense Iberian showdown, sending the European champions into the quarter-finals while ending Portugal’s campaign in heartbreaking fashion.
The World Cup trophy remained the only major honour missing from Ronaldo’s glittering career, despite winning five UEFA Champions League titles, league crowns in England, Spain and Italy, five Ballon d’Or awards, UEFA Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles with Portugal.
Even in his farewell campaign, the 41-year-old continued to rewrite history.
Ronaldo became the first male player to score in six consecutive FIFA World Cups before adding another milestone as the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match. His final tournament also brought his World Cup tally to 11 goals in 27 appearances, while his finest run remained the semi-final finish in Germany in 2006.
On the eve of the clash with Spain, Ronaldo confirmed this would be his last appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
“It will be my last World Cup, yes. I’m going to enjoy it. I hope tomorrow isn’t my last World Cup match,” confessed the star.
Reflecting on his farewell campaign, Ronaldo added:
“Honestly, of all the World Cups I’ve played in, this will be the one I’ll remember most for the passion of the people. In that emotional aspect, for me, it has been the best. I’ve really enjoyed that aspect.”
