- As Atlas Lions bury Portugal’s World Cup dream
Five times Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo presented a pathetic solitary figure as he walked down the tunnel following Portugal’s quarter-final exit from the ongoing World Cup in Qatar.
It is also not surprising that the Portuguese Star forward earned likes as well as slaps for his football accomplishments and snobbish attitude of failing to shake hands with Moroccan players after their humbling ouster from the mundial.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid was in tears as Portugal, one of the pre-tournament favourites, crashed out with a 1-0 defeat to Morocco on Saturday, December 10.
In what many football pundits think represents his last appearance on the World Cup stage, the 37-year-old player, who came on as a substitute in the second half, could do nothing to get his side back in the game despite enjoying added eight minutes from the referee after 90 minutes of regulation time.
Obviously left devastated as he walked down the tunnel, Ronaldo was seen being consoled by Portuguese officials with the reality of Qatar 2022 likely to be his last game at a World Cup finals dawning on him.
Despite coming into the match as favourites, A Selecao were stunned by a well-timed header from Sevilla forward Youssef En-Nesyri.
Having started in all Group H matches, Ronaldo was overlooked by Coach Fernando Santos just like in the Round of 16 when Portugal defeated Switzerland 6-1.
Most regrettably, the veteran 37-year-old introduction with 40 minutes to go in the encounter, could not help his team muster the much-needed equaliser.
Featuring against the Atlas Lions of Morocco, the forward recorded his 196 appearances for Portugal, making him the joint-top international appearance maker in the men’s game.
Having left Manchester United by mutual consent just before the start of this year’s World Cup, speculations have heightened that the Portuguese superstar is expected to sign a mega contract with Saudi Arabian side, Al-Nassr when he returns from Qatar.
Meanwhile, some football fans as well as pundits are insisting that Portugal’s benching Ronaldo for the game was the worst decision taken by Coach Santos.
Below are some of the reactions by fans on social media
Ronaldo Won Half A Billion Hearts
It is just a trophy that you missed. Remember not everybody can win hearts. You have won our hearts. At least half a billion hearts. We are with you as always no matter what – Jegankumar Koteeswaran
Fernando Santos To Blame?
Portugal coach [Fernando Santos] really ended Portugal’s run in the world cup. His ego made your nation kicked out of the game. Benching you was the worst decision – Rajeev
It Hurt To Watch Ronaldo Cry
Never has my heart hurt more than watching Cristiano cry. There will never be another you! You are the greatest ever was, ever is and ever will be! Wishing nothing but the best always, my teenage love – Anu
Portugal Got What They Deserved
Too Bad that his team gave up on him in the middle of a World Cup Portugal got what it deserved, unfortunately, Ronaldo did not – Sahaar
Classless Ronaldo?
Ronaldo straight down the tunnel in tears instead of congratulating and shaking the hands of the Morocco players. Classless as ever – Nick Deal
Messi Would Shake Hands In Defeat
The difference between Ronaldo and Messi. Messi loses, and wouldn’t walk off without shaking hands with the opposition. Ronaldo is selfish, and undignified. Messi all day for me – Nathan Sheridan
Ronaldo A Great Player
All things must come to an end, Ronaldo, you are a great player. Only one Ronaldo – Royston Joseph
Nigeria Did Not See Half What Ronaldo Saw
Ronaldo has been through a lot this 2022 even Nigerians didn’t see half of what Ronaldo has seen – Adam Sdq
Ronaldo Was Betrayed
Ronaldo is hurt, he feels he has been forsaken and betrayed by his favorite club and the national team – Taa-irema Jamaldeen
We Can’t Have It All
Ronaldo should remember that we are human beings, we can’t have it all – Toheeb Timobi Timtop – With Goal.com reports
