Cristiano Ronaldo was left on the bench for Portugal’s last-16 match against Switzerland, and coach Fernando Santos was rewarded with a hat-trick from substitute Goncalo Ramos and an incredible team performance.
It was the first time in 31 games dating back to 2008 that Ronaldo had not started in a major tournament, and Santos expressed his displeasure at gestures made by him after he was substituted in the last group match against South Korea.
To put it gently, Portugal made light of the 37-year-absence old’s when Ramos, a striker for Benfica, scored the first triple of the tournament in his maiden international start to help his team advance to the quarterfinals against Morocco after defeating Spain on penalties.
Ramos opened the scoring for Portugal after 17 minutes with a shot past Swiss goalkeeper Jan Sommer at the near post. Pepe, a seasoned 39-year-old defender, increased Portugal’s advantage in the 33rd minute by heading in a corner from Bruno Fernandes.
Six minutes after the half, Ramos effectively ended the game with a close-range swoop on a cross from Diogo Dalot, and four minutes later, Raphael Guerriero completed the sweeping play with a powerful goal. This continued the dream full debut.
Switzerland’s goal was restored by Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, but Ramos quickly scored his third with a deft chip, prompting the Lusail Stadium fans to clamour for Ronaldo’s introduction.
With the game won and Ronaldo entering to thunderous cheers, Portugal coach Santos complied, but his team-mates are to be commended for a superb effort.
Rafael Leao, 23, capped off an impressive performance by curling in the sixth goal after Ronaldo had the ball in the net but was adjudged to be offside.
