FIFA World Cup: Heartbroken Ronaldo reduced to tears after Morocco knock out Portugal in quarter-finals

Cristiano Ronaldo was reduced to tears after Portugal got knocked out and his dreams of winning the big trophy in his fifth World Cup appearance were shattered to pieces. Ronaldo left the pitch and marched off down the tunnel in tears moments after the final whistle. The five-time World Player of the Year is set to finish his career without capturing the World Cup or ever getting to the final.

Cristiano Ronaldo came off the bench six minutes after the break but was unable to help his team avoid defeat, with Morocco coming out as the winner to seal a semi-final showdown with either England or France, who play later on Saturday. Morocco extended their dream run at the World Cup on Saturday as they out-thought and out-fought Portugal in a 1-0 win to become the first-ever African country to reach the semi-finals thanks to a towering headed goal from Youssef En-Nesyri.

In the 42nd minute, En-Nesyri leapt above the Portugal defenders to meet a Yahya Attiat-Allah cross, getting just enough of his head to the ball to tip it past goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who misread its flight and crashed into his own defender.

Ronaldo's introduction in the 51st minute was met with a chorus of jeers, but he did inject new energy into the Portugal side, for whom Goncalo Ramos, the hat-trick hero in the previous round's 6-1 win over Switzerland, missed with a close-in header in the 58th minute.

Five minutes later, Bruno Fernandes hit the top of the crossbar as Portugal pushed forward and Morocco sat deeper. With seven minutes remaining, Bounou saved again from Joao Felix.

Morocco will play either France or England for a place in the final.