Cristiano Ronaldo's shortcomings brutally laid bare by Spanish media after World Cup tears
Cristiano Ronaldo's influence was picked apart following Portugal's last-16 defeat by Spain
Compassion for a weeping Cristiano Ronaldo was scarce in Spain following Portugal's elimination from the World Cup.
Mikel Merino's stoppage-time strike decided a dour last-16 encounter between the Iberian neighbours. The Manchester United legend, 41, left the pitch in tears as his final World Cup ended with a whimper.
While Ronaldo is admired in Spain for his achievements with Real Madrid, the nation's media concluded he had become a burden rather than an asset to his national side. ABC was especially harsh.
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After describing him as "largely unnoticed" and a "shadow of his former self," the publication catalogued his deficiencies: "Lacking speed, dribbling and bite. At times, he didn't even seem to know what to do with the ball.
"His lacklustre performance wasn't enough to send him to the bench, which partly explains the meagre attacking output of a Portugal side that relied on him as its main attacking threat."
La Razon said his "participation in the game was limited" and emphasised his lack of movement: "Over the years, his range of action on the field has considerably reduced, and he no longer possesses the explosiveness that characterised much of his career.
"He was the player who covered the fewest kilometres and never came close to truly troubling Unai Simon. He left without the leading role he had envisioned for such a momentous night, although with the feeling of having given everything he had."
AS simply questioned: "What about Cristiano? No sign of him." Marca awarded him just one star in their player ratings and remarked: "CR7, before becoming CR1000, has reduced his area of operation."
The Portuguese press was more sympathetic to the fading icon. Capturing the end of an era, A Bola stated: "Ronaldo's farewell to the world's biggest competition ends up being this one, marked by sadness."
While he has featured in his final World Cup fixture - he will be 45 when Portugal co-hosts the 2030 tournament - he appears set to continue playing. Reflecting on his nation's elimination, he said: "I'm sad to leave the World Cup like this.
"But as I said in the [pre-match] press conference, I gave everything. I gave my best, and I leave with a clear conscience.
"It was my last World Cup, yes, but now I'll have time to think and be with my family. I don't make decisions in the heat of the moment, nor do I want to shift the focus from what was done at the World Cup because of a personal decision."
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