Cristiano Ronaldo seemed to be heartbroken after Portugal was knocked out of EURO 2020 by Belgium on Sunday night at Sevilla. It was a Thorgan Hazard goal in the 42nd-minute that made the difference. Ronaldo, who is 36, may be playing his last EURO 2020 and hence the loss hurt Ronaldo even more. Ronaldo tossed his armband on the pitch after the final whistle and appeared distraught. It is a painful moment for all Ronaldo supporters throughout the world. Ronaldo was seen kicking his armband in frustration as he walked to the dressing room.
Cristiano was leading the top goal scorer race for Euros 2020 with 5 goals who recently equaled Ali Daei's all-time top goalscorer in international football. Ronaldo was the clear favorite to break his record with another goal but things didn't go as planned.
Cristiano's Portugal fought hard till the end and gave a tough competition to Belgium who stands number one in the list of best national teams. Even though Portugal tried to find the net 28 times but missed to secure a single goal. It was an amazing night and a clash between the best teams in the world. This game did not fail to entertain fans around the world and lived up to its name.
This Belgium vs Portugal game was the last game at Euros for Cristiano who is 36 years old. We will not be seeing more of Cristiano Ronaldo for Euros anymore. It has been an amazing journey for Cristiano and the world will definitely miss him.
Nahhh mannn, Possibly the last every time we see Ronaldo at the EUROS😢😢😢 pic.twitter.com/1aPQVOLr0F
— Dhruvzzz (@dhruvzz8) June 27, 2021
During the EURO, Ronaldo was in magnificent scoring form and was projected to become the all-time leading international goal-scorer. He only needed one goal to surpass Ali Daei, but that would have to wait.
After Portugal's defeat, Romelu Lukaku was spotted comforting Ronaldo in a kind gesture.
Fans are already adoring the occasion.
Lukaku: You are the goat and the best in history ,The Euro lost you
— Eng Mourinho (@EngMourinho) June 27, 2021
Cristiano Ronaldo: I know#BELPOR #Por pic.twitter.com/h3eHRDnIEs
The Juventus superstar has had an incredible summer, becoming the best scorer in Euros history and tying Ali Daei's scoring record in men's international football. Despite Ronaldo's incredible feat of scoring five goals at the age of 36, he was had to witness his beloved Portugal side lose to Belgium in the round of 16. When they narrowly advanced through the 'Group of Death' in third place, the Selecao were always up against an uphill struggle against the world's number one squad, according to FIFA.
Portugal vs Belgium Insights:
- T Hazard netted the first goal for Belgium at 41', assisted by Meunier.
- At 44' Joao Palhinha received Yellow Card for his challenge.
- After Half time, De Bruyne was subbed off for Mertens at 47' with an unfortunate injury.
- Portugal received its second yellow at 50' for Dalot.
- Felix and Bruno came in for Moutinho and Bernando at 54'.
- Jota was subbed off for Andre Silva at 69'.
- Belgium received its first yellow at 71' for Vermaelen.
- After few minutes, Pepe received Yellow at 76'.
- Time was running out for Portugal and changes were made again. Sergio Oliveira and Danilo were brought in for Sanchesand Palhinha.
- Belgium received its second yellow at 80' for Alderweireld.
- Eden Hazard was subbed off for Carrasco at 86'. Hazard might be injured after pulling his hamstring again.
- Only goal scorer T Hazard was subbed off for Dendoncker at 90' before the final whistle.
Belgium extended their winning streak in the UEFA Euro (qualifying and finals) to 14 games with a 1-0 victory over Ronaldo's Portugal. With the thrilling 1-0 victory, Hazard's Belgium ensured that the 2020 European Championship will crown a new champion at Wembley Stadium.
Ronaldo was emotional after the final whistle:
Cristiano was seen a bit emotional at full time after the exit from Euros 2020. Regardless of what you think about Portugal's performances in what has been a grueling run of games, you can't accuse Ronaldo of putting in anything less than his all. If this is Ronaldo's final game at the Euros, he will leave as the tournament's all-time leading scorer.Two unfortunate injuries for Belgium:
Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard were both injured for Roberto Martinez's Belgium. While Real Madrid's Hazard strained a hamstring minutes before the final whistle, Manchester City's De Bryune injured his ankle in the first half. By defeating defending champions Portugal, Hazard, and Romelu Lukkau's Belgium have set up a meeting with former champions Italy in the UEFA Euro 2020 quarter-finals. On Saturday, Belgium will face Roberto Mancini's Italy in the UEFA Euro quarter-finals at the Allianz Arena.
Let us hope to see Cristiano Ronaldo in World cup 2022 and enjoy his brilliance till he retires. Players like Cristiano can only come once in a century and no doubt he is the goat of football.
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