Cristiano Ronaldo was visibly upset as he made his way down the tunnel of the Al Thumama Stadium after Portugal’s heartbreaking 1-0 World Cup quarterfinal loss to Morocco.
On Saturday, Walid Regragui’s team created history by becoming the first African nation to get past the quarterfinals of a World Cup. They have only allowed one goal all year.
Youssef En-Nesyri headed in a Yahia Attiyat Allah cross in the 43rd minute to give Morocco a deserving lead.
And that feat of defying physics was enough to give them their largest victory ever. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s star player, was seen crying as he left the field after the final whistle.
The 37-year-old forward’s anguish came on what would have been his final World Cup participation.
Ronaldo, who holds the record for most goals scored by a man in men’s international football, should be proud of his career with Portugal. After defeating France, he raised the European Championship trophy in 2016.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward claims he isn’t finished yet. He had expressed his desire to participate in Euro 2024 as a member of his country’s team.
He told ESPN, “I would like to add that my trip is not over yet. It has been a hard road.
“I intend to be a member of the Federation for a while longer. I’m still motivated, and I have big goals. I work with young people on a team. I’m going to presume that I want to participate in both the European Championship and this World Cup.”
Ronaldo was not included in the starting lineup against Switzerland on Tuesday after Fernando Santos, the manager of Portugal, benched him for the quarterfinal match against Morocco.
Santos disclosed the discussion he had with Ronaldo about being benched earlier this week.
On the day of the game, I chatted with him after lunch and invited him to my office “He clarified.
“Cristiano was understandably upset about it as he had always been the starter.
Do you truly think it’s a good idea, he asked me?
“However, we had a typical talk during which I expressed my opinions, which he of course accepted. We spoke openly and in everyday terms.”
For a spot in the World Cup final, Morocco will play either France or England on Wednesday. That would make for quite a tale.
