Cristiano Ronaldo operating to the tunnel in tears and as desolate because the soccer world has ever seen him would be the lasting picture for Portugal followers trying again on the World Cup in Qatar.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon D’Or winner, arrived with a mission to show he may nonetheless make a distinction. He ended the event, nevertheless, as a bench participant and had no influence in its place in his workforce’s 1-0 quarterfinal loss to Morocco.
It was one other story of hope turned to disappointment, controversy and under-achievement on the most important stage for Ronaldo, who was enjoying his fifth World Cup and hoping it will set him up for brand new alternatives after his departure from Manchester United.
Portugal are used to having Ronaldo because the centre of consideration.
He is among the best forwards of all time, a determine so large he has raised the bar and lifted the usual of sport in his nation.
Paradoxically, in a Portugal workforce filled with stand-out gamers, Ronaldo fell sufferer to the abundance of choices that coach Fernando Santos had at his disposal.
Portugal’s all-time main scorer with 118 objectives in 195 appearances, Ronaldo was benched for Tuesday’s 6-1 win over Switzerland and the 21-year-old Goncalo Ramos netted a hat-trick in solely his fourth sport for his nation.
He stayed on the bench in opposition to Morocco and left the event because the face of a brand new worldwide debacle for his nation.
His coach and teammates denied that Ronaldo’s disputes with Manchester United simply earlier than the World Cup prompted a distraction within the altering room, however it’s laborious to consider that his explosive TV interview had no influence on the squad.
Coach Santos stated after the Morocco loss that he doesn’t remorse leaving Ronaldo on the bench and repeatedly defined that his choices had been tactical, elevating questions on whether or not Ronaldo’s sensible profession is nearing a bitter finish.
Earlier than the World Cup, Ronaldo refused to say that the event in Qatar could be his final and he was already looking forward to the 2024 European Championship.
The 37-year-old is unlikely to retire but however it stays to be seen the place his future lies, with Spanish and English media reporting that he’s closing on a transfer to Saudi Arabian aspect Al Nassr on a contract price a staggering 173 million kilos ($211.65 million) per 12 months.
Santos additionally denied that he was stepping down from his job, saying he’ll speak to the Portuguese FA president about his future.
With or with out Ronaldo, Portugal’s future not less than appears to be like vibrant as they’ve a powerful era of expertise with an excellent combination of children like Ramos and Joao Felix and excellent gamers of their prime resembling Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva.