Morocco became the first African nation in history to advance to the semi-final stage after Youssef En-Nesyri’s powerful header was enough to give them the win.
This was very likely Ronaldo’s last ever World Cup game, and the 37-year-old ended it in floods of tears as he hurried down the tunnel after full-time.
The legendary forward began the game in the bench, as Santos named the same starting XI that just a few days earlier had smashed Switzerland 6-1 in the round of 16.
The former Manchester United man was brought on after 50 minutes to try and find an equaliser but aside from a good effort in injury time, he had little effect on the game, as Morocco defended brilliant from a wasteful Portugal.
The decision to drop Ronaldo for Switzerland was controversial yet effective so it was understandable when Santos made the same call but that hasn’t stopped those closest to the player from slating the manager.
‘Today your friend and coach made the wrong decision,’ Rodríguez posted on Instagram.
‘That friend for whom you have so many words of admiration and respect. The same one who, when putting you on the field, saw how everything changed, but it was too late.
‘You can’t underestimate the best player of the world, his most powerful weapon. Much less should one stand up for those who don’t deserve it.
‘Life gives us lessons. Today we don’t lose, we learn. We admire you.’
Rodríguez had previously criticised Ronaldo’s benching and late substitution against Switzerland as had his sister Elma Aveiro who said: ‘I don’t know why and I don’t understand it, but I’m sure we’ll have the answers from God later, he doesn’t fail, let’s see.’
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