Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo left distraught after quarterfinal loss against Morocco
There are moments in football when it doesn’t matter which team you support, you just feel bad for a team or player’s departure from important stage of a tournament.
One such moment took place in the quarterfinal tie between Portugal and Morocco. The full-time whistle was not just the indicator of the end of the game. But perhaps with it ended the dreams of millions if not billions from around the world.
It doesn’t matter if you never supported Portugal in your entire life. For a glimmering moment you wanted Ronaldo led Portugal to win the game. Not for them to win the trophy, but just to ensure that one of the greatest players on planet earth to get a chance to lift that golden trophy.
Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo in tears while leaving pitch
A trophy that matters the most for many, and Cristiano Ronaldo is no different. Portuguese players gave it their all for sure to win this just this one time for their people, for their talisman. Their spirit however was not enough to outplay the dark horse of the tournament.
What hurt the most was witnessing Ronaldo leave the pitch, never to return. Things will never be the same in football, ever. The charismatic, iconic, and multi-talented Cristiano shall never be seen in the FIFA World Cup again.
The images of him walking down the tunnel with tear in his eyes are equivalent to bleeding dreams that he couldn’t fulfil in his final tournament of his career.
FIFA World Cup remains as that one trophy that remains eluded from the cabinet of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Morocco a side to beat
Morocco has emerged as a giant killer in this FIFA World Cup. In the group stage they hunted down the world number 2 Belgium to announce their intentions. Then in the Round of 16 they pipped 2010 champions Spain.
Now they march on by defeating Ronaldo led Portugal side. it’s not that the Portuguese side lacked luster. It was filled with stars like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, and biggest of them all Ronaldo himself.
Yet, they were determined in their belief in their football and the dream to reach the next round. It was this determination of theirs that led to the 42nd minute goal by Youssef En-Nesyri. After that they defended that solitary goal lead with their lives.
Hence they get to live another round in this tournament. They will face the winner of England vs France tie later tonight in the semifinals.
