Cristiano Ronaldo showed his compassionate side by embracing and consoling Luka Modric after Croatia's agonising defeat by Portugal in the World Cup last 32 clash on Thursday evening. The former Real Madrid teammates, aged 41 and 40 respectively, faced off in a thrilling encounter in Toronto.
Portugal's dramatic victory
Portugal punched their ticket to the last-16 in dramatic fashion, winning 2-1. Having gone behind after Ivan Perisic's opener, Ronaldo had a goal disallowed for offside on the hour mark before managing to break his World Cup knockout goal drought from the penalty spot. He was then substituted by Portugal manager Roberto Martinez late on, which proved decisive as his replacement Goncalo Ramos grabbed the 94th-minute winner. There was even more drama late on as Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol netted in the 103rd minute, only to have his equaliser controversially chalked off by VAR.
Modric's devastation and Ronaldo's consolation
Croatia's players were left utterly crestfallen and reduced to tears at the final whistle. Their veteran captain Modric, who likely made his final World Cup appearance after 202 caps, cut a devastated figure. But Ronaldo stepped up to comfort him, having grown close to the AC Milan star during their six trophy-laden years together at Real Madrid. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner hugged Modric several times and offered warm words to his fellow Los Blancos legend.
Later, revealing what he told Modric in his post-match interview, Ronaldo said: "I played with Luka so many matches and we are nearly the same age. He is a legend of football. I said to him, 'Congratulations for everything. I would love to see you again and all the best for the next years of your career'. It was nice to play him once again."
Ronaldo's World Cup ambition
The Premier League greats won four Champions League trophies as well as La Liga and Copa del Rey together. But Ronaldo is hoping to add the one missing trophy from his glittering career to his cabinet this month - the World Cup. Portugal will next face reigning European champions Spain on Monday in Dallas, Texas, for a place in the quarter-finals.
