Qatar 2022: Ronaldo Breaks Down in Tears as Morocco Eliminate Portugal

• Portugal captain Ronaldo was visibly broken following their World Cup exit
• The former Manchester United forward came off the bench as Portugal lost to Morocco
• The 37-year-old walked off the pitch in tears in what could be his last World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo broke down in uncontrollable tears after Portugal crashed out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup following defeat to Morocco.

Youssef En-Nesyri's first half header ensured the Atlas Lions became the first African national to reach the semi-final of the World Cup.

Ronaldo, who came on in the second half, could not help his side from exiting the tournament despite the Europeans dominating the game.

After the game, Ronaldo was full of tears as he walked down the tunnel in disappointment. It is the first time Portugal have lost at the quarter-final stage of the World Cup.

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Meanwhile, Morocco will be waiting for the winner of the match between England and France for a place in the final of the World Cup.

Ronaldo starts from the bench

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Portugal captain Cristiano will start from the bench when the Selecao file out against the Atlas Lions of Morocco in a quarter-final clash of the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

Coach Fernando Santos made a number of bold selection calls during their second-round tie against Switzerland, and they won the game 6-1.

Goncalo Ramos took centre stage with a hat trick in the encounter, and now the coach seems to have decided to start the forward again, leaving CR7 on the bench.

Pepe blames referee for Portugal exit

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Portugal defender Pepe has come out to sensationally blame the match referee for his nation’s shock exit from the World Cup at the hands of surprise packages Morocco.

Striker Youssef En-Nesyri scored the only goal of the game late in the first half with a header which proved to be a historic one for Morocco, who became the first African country to reach the last four at the global stage.

The Atlas Lions were second best for most of the game, but Portugal were guilty of not taking their chances and some poor finishing at times as Bruno Fernandes and Goncalo Ramos came close.