Cristiano Ronaldo confirms last World Cup but won't rush Portugal decision

Cristiano Ronaldo has acknowledged that he has played his final World Cup match, but stopped short of announcing his retirement from international football entirely. The Portugal captain cut an emotional figure at the final whistle in Dallas after a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16, with Mikel Merino's stoppage-time header ending the Seleção's campaign. For the 41-year-old, it marked the definitive end of a lifelong pursuit of football's biggest prize. Speaking after the match, Ronaldo made it clear he would not be rushed into any decision about his future with the national team. "I'm sad to be leaving the World Cup like this. I gave it my all. I did my best. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I'll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won't be making any rash decisions," he said. "I don't decide anything in the heat of the moment. Now is not important whether I will continue. Tomorrow I will get up the same way I got up today: with a clear conscience." Ronaldo reflected on his 23-year international career, which included Portugal's first major title at Euro 2016. "I played 23 years in the national team and won three titles. Before Cristiano, Portugal had not won anything. The Euros was the most important. For me, 2016 has the same dimension as a World Cup, honestly." At 43, he would be eligible for the 2028 European Championship, but offered no assurances. Meanwhile, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez confirmed he would step down after the tournament. His contract ended with the defeat. "I came to Portugal to win the World Cup and I think that, without winning it, there's no point in continuing. The board and the president now have the opportunity to choose the new manager. My contract ends today. Yes, it's my last game for the national team," Martinez said. Martinez paid tribute to his captain, calling Ronaldo an "exemplary captain" and a "soccer icon." "It's his day-to-day commitment, the way he lives and breathes football. He's an example and something we must celebrate. We will always be grateful for what he tried to do at this World Cup," Martinez added.