Cristiano Ronaldo exits World Cup in tears as Morocco stun Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo exited his last World Cup in tears on Saturday after Portugal were stunned by Morocco in the quarter-finals. The Euro 2016 champions were second best throughout the encounter in Qatar as they were defeated 1-0.

Ronaldo was named on the bench for the second consecutive match as Portugal went in search of a place in the World Cup semi-finals. The 37-year-old had started all three of his country’s group matches but was replaced by Goncalo Ramos for the last 16 showdown with Switzerland. And after Ramos had scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 victory, the Benfica striker kept his place against Morocco.

Portugal were heavy favourites to win the quarter-final ahead of the match. But they fell behind just before the break as goalkeeper Diogo Costa flapped at a cross to allow Youssef En-Nesyri to head the ball into the net.

Morocco had exceeded expectations in Qatar and reached the last eight after seeing off Spain in the last 16. And the African team were in no mood to allow Portugal to force their way back into the encounter as they defended gallantly in the second half.

Portugal heaped the pressure on the Morocco goal as the minutes ticked away in the second period. And Ronaldo had a chance to draw his side level in stoppage time at the end of the match as he ran through on goal. But he was denied by Morocco keeper Bono, who was equal to the effort.

And Morocco ultimately held out to book their place in the World Cup semi-finals, despite being reduced to 10 men when Walid Cheddira was dismissed in the closing stages.

Ronaldo, who had appeared to be in a sombre mood on the Portugal bench after the only goal of the game had been scored, looked devastated after the final whistle. The veteran was caught by television cameras crying and wiping away tears as he left the pitch and headed for the dressing room. With the striker set to turn 41 in the months before the next World Cup gets underway in 2026, he is highly unlikely to be involved as a player even if he is still plying his trade in the sport.

Morocco will now meet the winner of England’s hotly-anticipated clash with France in the last four. England and France have both been in scintillating form throughout the Qatar tournament. And both countries will fancy their chances of overcoming Morocco and reaching the World Cup final if they win on Saturday night.