Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo for his post-game reaction following Portugal’s World Cup quarterfinal elimination at the hands of Morocco.
Youssef En-Nesyri’s first-half header helped his team reach the semifinals. However, the former Manchester United striker was unable to break the deadlock after being kept on the bench in the first half.
Having failed to lead his nation to World Cup glory during his illustrious career, Ronaldo was upset at the end of the game and stormed down the tunnel in tears. At 37, the football legend may never again have the opportunity to compete at the highest level of international competition. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s future is also up in the air, as he is currently a free agent.
Hamann criticised Ronaldo for showing a lack of dignity in Portugal’s loss to Morocco. He pointed out the striker’s decision to run away from shaking hands with the Moroccans.
As reported by The Express, he said:
“I think they [Morocco] brought the human side back to this World Cup. 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, Cristiano Ronaldo, couldn’t even congratulate them at the end of the game.”
“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.”
Morocco was unable to continue their fine form as they have defeated in the semi-final against France thanks to goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani.
It completely ended Walid Regragui’s team’s hopes of winning the tournament. Despite this, the team has received much praise for being the tournament’s biggest surprise, defeating Portugal, Spain, and Belgium en route to the semifinal stage.
