Cristiano Ronaldo Exits World Cup as Morocco Defeats Portugal 1-0

Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of a FIFA World Cup title ended on Saturday as Morocco secured a 1-0 victory over Portugal at Al Thumama Stadium. The defeat eliminates the 37-year-old forward from what is widely considered his final appearance in the tournament, as Morocco becomes the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. Match Details and Record Milestones Ronaldo started the quarter-final match on the substitute bench for the second consecutive game. He was introduced in the 51st minute, replacing midfielder Ruben Neves, shortly after Morocco took the lead. Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri scored the decisive goal in the 42nd minute, capitalizing on a cross from Yahya Attiyat Allah. Upon his entry, Ronaldo equaled the FIFA men’s world record for the most international appearances, earning his 196th cap to tie with Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa. Despite several late attempts by the Portuguese side, including a shot from Ronaldo in stoppage time saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, Portugal failed to equalize. End of a World Cup Era Immediately following the final whistle, Ronaldo departed the pitch ahead of his teammates. Television footage captured the…