Portugal star striker Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream of winning the World Cup remains unfulfilled. In the 1/8 final match against Spain, Portugal suffered a crushing defeat with a score of 0:1. With this, 41-year-old Ronaldo’s journey to the World Cup ended forever. After the match, a disappointed Ronaldo confirmed that this was the last World Cup of his career, but he has not yet made any decision about retiring from international football.
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Held on July 7 (Tuesday) at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, this match was equal for a long time, but in stoppage time of the second half, substitute Mikel Merino crushed the dream of Portugal and Ronaldo by scoring a goal. Ronaldo’s pain was clearly visible after the defeat. He admitted that he was very sad to say goodbye to the last World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo said: “It’s sad to be knocked out of the World Cup like this. I gave everything. I tried my best and I leave here with a clear conscience. Yes, this was my last World Cup, but now I will have the opportunity to reflect and spend time with my family. I won’t make any decisions in haste.
I don’t want to get carried away by emotions: Ronaldo
After the defeat to Spain, the biggest question is whether Ronaldo also played his last match for Portugal. Ronaldo did not give a direct answer to this question. He made it clear that he would not make any decision about his future due to disappointment and emotions of defeat.
Cristiano Ronaldo said: “I don’t make any decisions based on emotions.” His statement indicated that although his World Cup career is over, he may still be capped by Portugal for some time to come. Ronaldo believed that Portugal had a difficult match against Spain and that the match could have ended in either team’s favor.
Cristiano Ronaldo said: “Spain got a little lucky.” This match could have ended in favor of any team. Ronaldo took part in the World Cup for the sixth time, setting a career record. He also scored three goals in this tournament, but was unable to lead his team to the title.
In his illustrious World Cup career spanning two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo has never reached the final. Despite the disappointment of the defeat, Ronaldo expressed pride in his contribution to the Portuguese national team. He recalled that during his presence, Portugal achieved the greatest successes in the history of football.
Cristiano Ronaldo said: “I won three titles for Portugal. Before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal had not won a single title. We won our biggest national team title in the form of the 2016 European Championship. Honestly, this is as important to me as the World Cup.
Under the leadership of Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal made history by winning the Euro 2016 title. Following this, the team also won the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2019 and 2025. Ronaldo has achieved almost every major achievement in club and international football. He won the Ballon d’Or five times, led Portugal to three major titles and set countless records to his name. But the World Cup trophy never came into his hands.
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