Ronaldo bids tearful farewell to World Cup as Spain knocks out Portugal, Martinez resigns

Portugal's exit

Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup round of 16 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the 91st minute, sending the reigning European champions through to the quarterfinals. The defeat ended Portugal's tournament and, for Cristiano Ronaldo, a 20-year World Cup career.

Ronaldo's farewell

Ronaldo had confirmed before the match that this would be his last World Cup. The 41-year-old played his 27th and final match on football's biggest stage, finishing with 11 career World Cup goals, three of them at this tournament. After the final whistle, cameras captured him in tears on the pitch. Lamine Yamal, the Spanish teenager, approached to console him.

These were my last World Cup. Now I will have time to think, to avoid hasty decisions.

Ronaldo leaves with 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal, both national records. He appeared in six World Cups, tying Lionel Messi's mark. He pointed to the Euro 2016 title as his crowning achievement.

I leave with a clear conscience. I gave everything. I won three titles for Portugal. Before Cristiano, there were no titles, so I am happy.

Portuguese daily Abola captured the mood: "How many of your tears, Cristiano, are the tears of all Portugal?"

Coach Martinez steps down

Immediately after the match, Roberto Martinez announced his resignation as Portugal's head coach. He had been in charge for over three years, with a record of 32 wins, 6 draws and 7 losses in 45 matches. Portuguese media were scathing. CNN Portugal wrote that "the blame lies primarily with Martinez, who lacked courage and boldness" and noted he neither introduced Goncalo Ramos nor substituted Ronaldo, unlike in a previous match. The federation has already identified Jorge Jesus, who left Al-Nassr in June, as a potential successor.

Spain's path forward

Spain advances to a quarterfinal on July 10 against the winner of the USA-Belgium match. The tournament is hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.