Stadium security were swift to respond on two occasions as Cristiano Ronaldo ’s World Cup dream came to an emotional conclusion.
Aged 37, the former Manchester United forward was likely competing in international football’s biggest tournament for the final time. His time in Qatar has been tumultuous, with his acrimonious exit from Old Trafford sealed on the verge of the tournament.
He then made World Cup history in Portugal’s opening match vs Ghana, scoring in his fifth consecutive tournament - a record stretching back to 2006. But that was the highlight as Ronaldo was relegated to the bench by Fernando Santos.
That decision was inspired in the round of 16 as Portugal ran out 6-1 winners vs Switzerland, with the player replacing Ronaldo, Goncalo Ramos, netting a stunning hat-trick. However, against the disciplined Morocco, the veteran forward was called upon shortly after the break with his side trailing 1-0 following Youssef En-Nesyri’s thumping header.
His introduction wasn’t the first notable action of Ronaldo’s evening however, with stadium security forced to escort a fan from the stadium after he threw water towards his direction. The incident occurred when the substitute was making his way back to the dugout following the half-time interval, with the fan quickly removed from his seat.
Once he was on the pitch, Ronaldo nearly registered an assist when his lay-off to Joao Felix produced a stunning stop from the heroic Yassine Bonou in the Morocco goal. He was then handed a golden chance to score himself, but could only fire towards Bonou who held his firm shot at the second time of asking.
The chances kept coming for Portugal, but they weren’t able to take them with Morocco becoming the first African side to ever reach the World Cup last four. As for Ronaldo, he left his heartbroken team-mates on the pitch, quickly walking down the tunnel.
Television cameras spotted the ex-Real Madrid superstar in floods of tears, escorted towards the dressing room. What wasn’t picked up on the live broadcast was a second incident with a fan attempting to approach as he tried to leave the field of play.
Once again, stewards within the Al Thumama Stadium were swift to respond to the potential flashpoint, getting in between the supporter and the departing Ronaldo.
The defeat casts serious doubt on the future of manager Fernando Santos, with speculation that he could now step down. And Ronaldo’s long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez wasted no time in sticking the boot into the under-pressure boss.
Rodriguez was in the stadium and accused Santos of underestimating Portugal’s record goalscorer: "You shouldn't give your face for those who don't deserve it,” she posted on social media.
"Today your friend and coach made the wrong decision. 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, its most powerful weapon.”
