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.
Ronaldo came off the bench for Joao Felix in the 73rd minute, with the score at 5-1, but did not make an impact, with Rafael Leao the player to complete the rout after Pepe and Raphael Guerreiro also netted for Portugal and Manuel Akanji got a consolation for Switzerland. Nevertheless, the veteran striker was delighted for his teammates.
Alongside a picture of him celebrating Leao's goal, he wrote on Instagram : “Incredible day for Portugal, with a historic result in the biggest competition in world football. Luxury exhibition of a team full of talent and youth. Our Selection is to be congratulated. The dream is alive! Until the end! Strength, Portugal!”
Portugal put in an incredible performance against Switzerland, with Ramos the undoubted star of the show. The young striker has 14 goals in 21 games for Benfica this season and he carried that form into the World Cup.
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Ramos’ inclusion meant Ronaldo did not start a match for Portugal at a major tournament for the first time in 31 games – a streak which had stretched back to 2008. Portugal boss Santos had been annoyed by angry gestures Ronaldo had made when he was substituted in the last group game, a defeat against South Korea.
Ronaldo is currently without a club after seeing his contract with Manchester United terminated last month. He is reportedly close to agreeing to join Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, who are willing to pay him a colossal £173million per year.
The media interest around Ronaldo and his next club has irritated Santos, who has been forced to field questions about his star striker’s future in the build-up to the match. "I don't know, I haven't talked to him about it," said the Portugal boss after being asked on Monday.
"I have spoken with the players but it has nothing to do with this issue. He didn't even know, he knew a little while ago. It is his decision, his question. He is completely focused on the World Cup, on helping the team."
