Morocco prepared the biggest surprise of this World Cup and knocked out Portugal (1-0), becoming the first African team to reach the semi-final stage of such a tournament.

Cristiano RonaldoPhoto: Marcio Machado/SPP / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

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Cristiano Ronaldo again came on as a substitute in Saturday night’s clash, but was brought on in the 51st minute in place of Ruben Venez.

Cristiano Ronaldo is disappointed after Portugal’s exit from the World Cup

Left out of contract after leaving Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo tried to focus as much as possible on the World Cup, but was left on the bench in the last two games. If in the 1/8 finals he was brilliantly replaced by Gonzalo Ramos, who managed to score a hat-trick, then in the duel with Morocco, Portugal did not find a way to the goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo had several opportunities to score, including in extra time, but the Lusitanians ran into the Moroccan goalkeeper Bouna, who took absolutely everything that hit the goal frame.

At the end of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo broke down in tears, left the field and kept going to the locker room.

FIFA World Cup 2022 Photo of the Day: End of an Era – Cristiano Ronaldo, Tears and Forbidden Sleep

A day after the relegation of the team coached by Fernando Santos, Cristiano Ronaldo also posted a message on social media.

“Winning the World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career. Fortunately, I won many international trophies, including for Portugal, but to put the name of our country at the highest level in the world was my biggest dream.

I fought for it. I fought hard for this dream. In the 5 matches we have played at the World Cups in the last 16 years, always with great players and the support of millions of Portuguese people, we have given it our all. I left everything on the field. I never gave up the fight and I never gave up on this dream.

Unfortunately, the dream ended yesterday. It was not necessary to react sharply. I just want everyone to know that a lot has been said, a lot written, a lot of speculation, but my commitment to Portugal has not changed for a moment. I have always been a player who fought for everyone’s goal and I would never turn my back on my team mates and my country.

There is nothing more to say at this time. Thank you, Portugal. Thank you, Qatar. The dream was beautiful while it lasted… Now time must be a good counselor and let people draw their own conclusions.” – wrote Cristiano Ronaldo.

Check out this Instagram post

A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

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