Cristiano Ronaldo blasted for not congratulating Morocco players after Portugal's World Cup exit
Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has been slammed for his post-match behaviour after Morocco knocked Portugal out of the World Cup in Qatar.
Youssef En-Nesyri’s Ronaldo-esque header in the first half was enough to seal Morocco a sensational 1-0 win in the quarter-finals at the Al-Thumama Stadium.
Ronaldo, who came off the bench in the second half, broke down in tears in the tunnel after Portugal were dumped out of the tournament last week.
Morocco went on to face defending World Cup champions France in the semi-finals, but Walid Regragui’s men saw their stunning run finally come to an end.
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Goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani sealed a 2-0 win for France on Wednesday evening to set up a showdown with Argentina in the final.
Dietmar Hamann hailed the Morocco players for their dignified behaviour after their defeat to France at the Al-Bayt Stadium and for their inspiring form at the World Cup.
However, the former Liverpool midfielder aimed a scathing attack on 37-year-old Ronaldo for not congratulating Morocco players after Portugal’s defeat.
Speaking to RTE after Morocco’s defeat to France, Hamann said: “I think they [Morocco] brought the human side back to this World Cup.
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— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 14, 2022
"I think they, in a way, brought the human side back to this World Cup..." - Didi Hamann pays tribute to Morocco after their defeat to France #FRAMAR
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“You talk about these superstars, top players, top earners -- and if you think that one of the greatest players who left the scene a week ago, Ronaldo, couldn’t even congratulate them at the end of the game...”
He added: “They won that game and did something historic and he didn’t even have the dignity to congratulate them for what they’ve achieved.
“And now you watch them; how they shake hands with the French. The dignity and the graciousness they show in defeat. Brilliant.”
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Ronaldo, who is a free agent after he was released from his United contract, has been spotted training at Real Madrid in a bid to maintain his top form.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has appeared to rule out international retirement after the World Cup exit and hinted that he could still lead Portugal to Euro 2024.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Football World Cup, Football
Adnan Riaz