For all his recorts, Ronaldo could not crack the World Cup

Portugal's tournament dreams ended in painful fashion as Mikel Merino struck in the 91st minute to give Spain the 1-0 victory in Arlington. The 41-year-old veteran had announced just a day before the match that this would be his last World Cup, insisting he had no regrets about his exceptionally long career.

Ronaldo's complete World Cup record finishes with 27 total appearances and 11 goals across more than two decades in the sport. Fittingly, his only career knockout-stage goal came just last week to help the Portuguese squad eliminate Croatia in the previous round.

His deepest run in the tournament occurred during his 2006 debut at age 21, where Portugal reached the semi-finals before falling to France. The veteran played the full 90 minutes against Spain and managed three attempts on goal, but he was unable to create a decisive opening for his side. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez celebrated his captain as an icon of the sport, praising his incredible leadership and example throughout the tournament.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente expressed his immense admiration after the whistle, calling Ronaldo a true role model for young people and an icon of values. The defeat permanently closed the door on a highly anticipated World Cup showdown with Lionel Messi, which could have occurred in the quarter-finals had tournament groupings shifted.