An advance goodbye to Ronaldo

Relief for CR 7, at least for now. Cristiano Ronaldo was a minute away before playing his last match in the World Cup. And that heart-breaking prospect possibly sank in The FIFA world player of the year, finally.

Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo wets his face during a Group G football match between USA and Portugal at the Amazonia Arena in Manaus during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 22, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

A pale shadow of his famous self for most of the match against the USA, Ronaldo made a desperate dash down the flank minute before the final whistle and picked out Varela, who powered home a header into the net. The stoppage time header clinched a 2-2 draw and raised a slim hope for advancing into next round along with Ghana, with both teams now having one points. Group G is now led by Germany and the USA, with each notching four points. All four teams have one more match to play, and are in danger of elimination.

Cristiano Ronaldo (2nd R) chases the ball during a Group G match between USA and Portugal at the Amazonia Arena in Manaus during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 22, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

Given the strength and fame, Germany and Portugal should have advanced into the knock-out phase without any ado. But, much to the delight of the global football fans, minnows continue to turn the tournament into a topsy-turvy one. Almost every match so far delivered surprise, shocks and nail-biting finish. Pride of big guns is being dented, Cup hopefuls making early exit and superstars looking footpath footballers.

Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo (down) gestures next to US defender Matt Besler (L) during a Group G football match between USA and Portugal at the Amazonia Arena in Manaus during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 22, 2014. Photo: Getty Images

Before the tournament, the most of media focus was on Ronaldo. It is not because he was expected to be leading his country to its first ever World Cup glory. Though the highest-earning player is found to be lacking in humility, football buffs somehow have managed to love him. Such is his fan-following that nothing Ronaldo does goes without notice. He rips off his shirts and his fans swoon. He puts ice pack on a bruised knee and the world grimaces. He steps on to the field, defenders move to him more closely than a GPS. And when he roars after a goal, the stadium just erupts.

That is the usual scene when the Real Madrid superstar plays his club football. But the turf at the world stage turns out to be quite the opposite. Here a superstar is just not enough for a team. Here a group of ordinary stars may be good enough for a team. Portugal need his superstar to gel well with the team and operate like a cohesive unit on the field.

Can Ronaldo be a team-star? I guess he can't. He is a player with completely different dynamics. He is way too much of an individual footballer. So, I'm bidding an advance goodbye to Ronaldo.