Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of the Portugal starting XI at a major tournament for the first time since 2008 as they hammered Switzerland 6-1 to set up a quarter final with Morocco
By Sports Culture 7 Dec 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo has congratulated his Portugal teammates after they produced a stunning performance to thrash Switzerland and reach the quarter finals of the World Cup.
Portugal boss Fernando Santos made headlines by deciding to bench Ronaldo for the last 16 tie in Qatar after the 37-year-old started all three group games. The decision paid off handsomely as his replacement, Goncalo Ramos, scored a hat-trick in a clinical 6-1 demolition of the Swiss to set up a quarter-final with Morocco, who beat Spain on penalties earlier on Tuesday.
Ramos, a 21-year-old striker for Benfica, was making just his fourth appearance for the national side, but was outstanding. He blasted into the roof of the net from a tight angle to make it 1-0, slotted in Diogo Dalot’s cross for his second and dinked over Yan Sommer to complete an eye-catching hat-trick.
Fernando Santos and Goncalo Ramos agree on Cristiano Ronaldo after brilliant Portugal win
Cristiano Ronaldo found himself on the bench for Portugal's World Cup win over Switzerland but has earned praise for his reaction from Fernando Santos and Goncalo Ramos
Portugal boss Fernando Santos and hat-trick hero Goncalo Ramos both believe Cristiano Ronaldo acted like a captain after being dropped for his side's last 16 win over Switzerland.
The headline news before the clash in Qatar was the omission of Ronaldo, who reacted angrily to being subbed off in Portugal's final group game. Santos made it clear he didn't appreciate his player's gesture and behaviour and chose to underline his authority by leaving him on the bench.
His call to throw Ramos into the mix proved to be masterstroke, but the pair were in agreement about Ronaldo's qualities. Santos said: “Cristiano and Ramos are different players. There is no problem with the captain of the national team. We've been friends for many years. He set the example of a captain”.
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