Ronaldo in tears as Spain knock Portugal out

Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears at full-time after his and Portugal’s World Cup dream ended in the last-16 against Spain in Dallas, The Independent reported.

A stalemate for the majority, Mikel Merino’s decisive finish through on goal put Spain in front in stoppage time and Portugal could not find an equaliser despite going close in the dying seconds.

The World Cup is the only major competition Ronaldo has not won but now, at the sixth time of trying, the 41-year-old Portuguese captain will have to come to terms with not claiming international football’s biggest prize.

After the match, Ronaldo was emotional and in tears as he clapped and waved to the Portuguese fans in the stadium. He confirmed before this match that this would be his last World Cup but did not say he would definitely retire from international football.

"I'm sad to be leaving the World Cup like this," he said. "I gave it my all. I did my best and I'm leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I'll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won't be making any rash decisions."

In terms of individual stats. Ronaldo is the most decorated player in international football history with 146 goals in 233 appearances for his country. His crowning moment came in 2016 when Portugal won the European Championship.