So, the dream is still alive for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Soccer’s most prolific modern-day scorer might yet, at the age of 37 and probably playing in his last World Cup, claim the one major title to elude him in a career like no other.
It didn’t quite feel that way, though, as he walked off the field alone at Lusail Stadium, leaving the rest of the Portugal team to celebrate getting through to the quarterfinals after a 6-1 rout of Switzerland on Tuesday.
In fact, it was a rather sad sight. A veteran in decline departing the scene as his teammates from him — some barely half his age from him — continued to party.
This has been a turbulent and bruising few weeks for Ronaldo.
First came the explosive interview with Piers Morgan that shaped the start of his fifth World Cup campaign. Then the fallout, which included the termination of his contract at Manchester United.
When the tournament started, he broke a record — becoming the first male player to score at five different World Cups — and then he underwhelmed, failing to score in back-to-back games and responding to a substitution against South Korea by showing his displeasure and angering his coach.
Write a Reply or Comment
You should Sign In or Sign Up account to post comment.