Fans Share Heartbreak
Portuguese football fans were left heartbroken as they gathered at a watch party in Lisbon on Monday to see their national team edged out 1-0 by Spain in the World Cup Round of 16, bringing what could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup campaign to an end.
Footage shows thousands of supporters in Portugal colours filling Palace Yard, waving flags, holding scarves and singing before kick-off. As the match unfolded, emotions swung from hope to despair, with fans clutching their heads after missed chances, only for Spain to score a late winner.
Spanish supporters, meanwhile, celebrated reaching the quarter-finals, while many also paid tribute to Portugal’s veteran captain.
“The game was amazing […] It was super intense. A lot of emotions, but we did it,” one fan said, adding, “He’s (Cristiano Ronaldo) a great player. I’m so sorry for him not to go to the finals, but I really wanted my country to go.”
Mixed Fan Reactions
Portugal fans were left wondering what might have been after another early World Cup exit, despite their side arriving as one of the tournament favourites.
“There were parts of the game that we weren’t so efficient, we could have made it happen more, in general, but we were unlucky with the goal in the last minute,” one supporter said.
Opinion was divided over Ronaldo’s role and playing time, but many praised the 41-year-old for his commitment.
“Ronaldo always tries to give his best, we could see that he did his best, he always tried to shoot, that’s what matters. It could have been worse,” another fan said.
Historic World Cup Farewell
Substitute Mikel Merino scored in the 91st minute in Arlington to send Spain into the quarter-finals and end Portugal’s campaign.
Ronaldo leaves the World Cup as the first player to score in six different editions of the tournament. He finished his World Cup career with 11 goals, becoming Portugal’s leading scorer in the competition.
Spain will face Belgium in the quarter-finals in Los Angeles on July 10.
Article by Viory
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