Hat-trick hero: Goncalo Ramos felt no pressure after replacing Cristiano Ronaldo
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Goncalo Ramos scored a stunning hat-trick and filled the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo to fire Portugal into the World Cup quarter-finals.
Portugal captain Ronaldo was sensationally benched for this last-16 match against Switzerland, with head coach Fernando Santos criticising his conduct after being subbed in a match with South Korea last week.
Ramos was picked to start ahead of Ronaldo here in Doha and the 21-year-old scored a brilliant treble on his full international debut as they won 6-1.
Centre-back Pepe, full-back Raphael Guerreiro and substitute Rafael Leao got the other goals and Portugal will now face Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Simon Collings was at the Lusail Stadium to see Portugal in action...
Diogo Costa 7
Made one excellent save early on from a Xherdan Shaqiri free-kick. Had a fairly quiet night other than that as he watched Portugal’s attack sing.
Diogo Dalot 8
Had an excellent game at right-back, both going forward and in defence. Cleared an effort off the line in the first half and then got an assist after the break.
Pepe 7
Became the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout game by powering home a header in the first half. He’s 39, but plays like he’s 30.
Ruben Dias 6
Lucky not to get booked early on when he caught Breel Embolo with a stray elbow. Put in a solid enough performance other than that.
Raphael Guerreiro 8
Picked to start ahead of Joao Cancelo and justified his selection with a great performance. Looked good going forward and scored by finishing off an excellent move.
Otavio 7
Played a crucial part in Portugal’s fourth goal with a lovely back-heel in the build-up. Had a good game overall in the midfield.
William Carvalho 6
Played a similar role to Casemiro for Brazil by sitting at the base of midfield and just mopping up any attacks that Switzerland could muster. Neat and tidy, but not spectacular.
Bernardo Silva 8
Oozes class and linked the midfield and attack so well for Portugal. Played on the left of a midfield three, but drifted around and popped up all over the place to good effect.
Bruno Fernandes 8
Handed the armband in the absence of Ronaldo and put in a captain’s performance. Assisted Pepe’s goal and looked sharp playing on the right of a front three.
Goncalo Ramos 10 | Star player
A dream full debut for the 21-year-old, who started in place of Ronaldo. Scored three and assisted another. His first goal was a thunderbolt into the top corner, the second a nutmeg near-post flick and the third a dinked chip. Outrageous.
Joao Felix 9
Other than Ramos he was probably Portugal’s best player. Drifted in off his left flank and caused Switzerland so many problems. Finished the game with two assists.
Substitutions
Cristiano Ronaldo (Felix 73’) 6
After chants from the crowd he finally came on for a cameo. Scored, but it was offside.
Ricardo Horta (Ramos 74’) 6
On for the hero of the hour and slotted in out left.
Vitinha (Otavio 74’) 6
Came on for the final 15 minutes and looked solid.
Ruben Neves (Silva 81’) N/A
Rafael Leao (Fernandes 87’) 7
Off the bench and scored a stunning goal by curling the ball into the top corner.
