Ronaldo ends his final World Cup as Portugal fall 1-0 to Spain at 41

Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career almost certainly came to a close as Portugal were knocked out by Spain 1-0, with the 41-year-old unable to find the net across a full 90 minutes at what is expected to be his final international tournament.

Ronaldo was involved early, appealing for a penalty in the 11th minute after a Bruno Fernandes corner, though play continued. A minute later, Fernandes intercepted a Pedri pass and fed Ronaldo, whose shot from inside the area forced goalkeeper Unai Simón into a deflection for a corner.

Portugal continued to look for their captain throughout the first half. In the 37th minute, a Pedro Neto cross from the right wing found João Félix, whose header fell to Ronaldo with his back to goal. His improvised effort was gathered comfortably by Simón. In first-half stoppage time, João Neves attempted to loft a ball over the Spanish defence to Ronaldo, but Simón came off his line to collect.

The second half offered further glimpses without a breakthrough. Dani Olmo fouled Ronaldo in the 48th minute to concede a free-kick in Spain’s half, but Fernandes’s delivery went straight to Simón. Four minutes later, a low Neto cross into the six-yard box evaded both Ronaldo and Félix. Ronaldo’s clearest second-half opportunity came in the 60th minute when Félix chipped a cross to the back post, but Ronaldo could not direct his effort on target.

Spain held on to secure their place in the quarterfinals. After the final whistle, cameras lingered on Ronaldo as he took in what may have been his last moments on a World Cup pitch. Before leaving the field, he shared a brief moment with Spain’s teenage forward Lamine Yamal.