Portugal were knocked out of the FIFA World Cup 2022 after their 0-1 loss to Morocco in the quarter-final on Saturday. Morocco got the lead by 1-0 when Youssef En-Nesyri scored in the 42nd minute and the lead prevailed till full time. With the win, Morocco emerged as the first African nation to reach the semi-final of the prestigious tournament.
It was heart-break for Portugal striker and superstar footballer Cristiano Ronaldo as he couldn’t win the coveted World Cup Trophy despite making five appearnces in the tournament. The 37-year-old was extremely disappointed after the match results. In the all-important quarter-final, Ronaldo was once again not a part of the starting XI after being benched earlier in the round of 16 against Switzerland.
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After Portugal’s exit from the World Cup, Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez lashed out at Portugal team’s manager Fernando Santos on Instagram.
“Today your friend and coach decided wrong.That friend for whom so many words of admiration and respect you have. The same as when you got into the game, he saw how everything changed, but it was too late. You can’t underestimate the best player in the world, his most powerful weapon. Nor can you stand up for someone that he doesn’t deserve it. Life gives us lessons. Today we have not lost, we have learned. Cristiano, we admire you,” she posted.
Earlier, media reports were published that Ronaldo had threatened to leave the Portugal World Cup squad after a heated argument with the manager over him being benched against Switzerland.
Meanwhile manager Santos responded to critics over his decision of not allowing Ronaldo in the starting XI in two consecutive knockout matches.
“No, I don’t think so, no regrets.This was a team that played very well against Switzerland. Cristiano is a great player, he came in when we thought it was necessary. No, I have no regrets,”the 68-year-old Santos said post-match.