World Cup Daily: USA humiliated by Belgium, and Ronaldo's World Cup career ends on whimper

Belgium thrash USA amidst red card controversy 

The USA's last 16 clash with Belgium had an unnecessary distraction in the controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's red card, and it looked like this action had taken its toll. 

The Americans were soundly beaten 4-1 by their European opponents, and while Mark Tillman's free kick to make it 1-1 after 31 minutes offered a brief moment of joy in Seattle, it did not carry any sort of momentum. 

• Read next | Explaining Balogun's World Cup red card suspension and why it's controversial

Belgium managed to capitalise on poor defending to put three more goals past Mauricio Pochettino's side to seal their place in the quarter-finals. 

For the USA, this World Cup journey ends on a whimper, but the controversy and fallout from the Balogun affair will rumble on for weeks and months to come. 

Merino breaks Portugal hearts

On paper, Portugal vs. Spain was set to be a World Cup thriller. 

Unfortunately for the thousands watching in Dallas, and the millions around the world, it was anything but that. 

Neither team had many clear-cut chances as they cancelled each other out until the 91st minute. 

A quick Spain free-kick routine saw Mikel Merino slot a Ferran Torres pass into the Portugal net to land their place in the quarter-finals. 

While Spain may not have produced the most riveting of performances, this display showed that their future opponents cannot afford to switch off; otherwise, La Roja will strike. 

Ronaldo's World Cup career ends in tears

Portugal's loss to Spain not only brought their World Cup campaign to an end, but a curtain also came down on Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career.

Throughout the tournament, Ronaldo has held a very talented Portugal team back, leading to underwhelming performances, and while Ronaldo will think he is of great benefit to his national side, his numbers do not reflect this. 

He has scored just three goals in five matches, one from the penalty spot, and against Spain he cut a frustrated figure. 

It was no surprise Ronaldo was in an emotional state at the final whistle, but his legacy, especially on the international stage, has been tarnished by his selfishness to continue being the main man for Portugal despite the team needing to move on.

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