Tears, applause and a clear conscience: Cristiano Ronaldo bows out of his final World Cup with a heartbreak

Cristiano Ronaldo wiped his eyes as the final whistle blew at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Monday night, applauding the fans in the stands one last time in a World Cup shirt. Spain had beaten Portugal 1-0 through Mikel Merino's stoppage-time header to advance to the quarter-finals.

And with that single goal, Ronaldo's World Cup story ended. Six tournaments, 27 appearances, 11 goals, a lifetime of moments, came to an end."I'm sad to leave the World Cup this way," Ronaldo said afterward. "As I said yesterday, I gave it my all, and I leave with a clear conscience. That's the life of a footballer. You have to move forward."

At 41, Ronaldo is the only player in history to score in six World Cups, and he scored three times in this tournament.

But the one trophy that always eluded him, the World Cup, which remains missing from a collection that includes five Ballon d'Or awards, a European Championship title in 2016 and two UEFA Nations League triumphs with Portugal. The deepest he ever went at a World Cup was the 2006 semi-final, his tournament debut."I've given my all. I've won three titles with Portugal," he said. "The 2016 Euros title is on the same level as a World Cup."

He confirmed it was his final World Cup, though he stopped short of announcing international retirement, saying there was time to think and be with his family before making any decisions.Portugal coach Roberto Martinez was unequivocal in his praise. "We're talking about an icon in football," he said. "There aren't many Cristiano Ronaldos. We have to be thankful for what he did at this World Cup. An example as the human being who is behind the sportsman."Ronaldo finishes his World Cup journey with 27 appearances, second only to Messi's 30 and 11 goals, tied for ninth on the all-time list.He wanted the World Cup more than anything. Football gave him almost everything else. On Monday night in Texas, the dream that never came true finally said its goodbye and Ronaldo, eyes glistening, applauded all the way to the tunnel.