Ronaldo’s World Cup dream ends without football’s ultimate prize — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable World Cup journey has reached its final chapter without the one trophy that remained missing from his glittering career, after Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. According to the BBC, Ronaldo was left in tears after Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time goal sent Spain through to the quarter-finals and ended Portugal’s World Cup hopes. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, five-time Champions League champion and Euro 2016 winner, finishes his World Cup career as one of the tournament’s most recognisable figures. He scored at a record six World Cups and has netted 976 goals for club and country. His closest opportunity to claim the biggest prize in football came in his first World Cup appearance in 2006, when Portugal reached the semi-finals before falling short. Ronaldo had already confirmed that the 2026 tournament would be his final World Cup, but he left open the possibility of continuing his international career. “I will meet the family and take decisions with a calm head,” he said after the match when asked about his future with Portugal. Despite his individual achievements, Ronaldo’s final World Cup campaign was surrounded by debate over his role in the team and whether Portugal’s reliance on the veteran forward affected their chances. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez, who announced his…