Portugal coach Fernando Santos benched Cristiano Ronaldo during the Seleção’s FIFA World Cup round of 16 match against Switzerland on Tuesday. The European giants have done exceptionally well without him, recording an impressive 6-1 victory.
Goncalo Ramos, who left Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, scored an impressive hat-trick during the game. Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro and Rafael Leao were also among the goals for the European giants. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix and Bruno Fernandes were also part of Portugal’s World Cup squad in the game.
Portugal’s World Cup team will face Morocco in a quarterfinal tie at Lusail Stadium on December 10.
Fernandes Santos on benching Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal coach Fernando Santos has revealed that his decision to bench Cristiano Ronaldo was strategic.
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Speaking to the media (on Cristiano Ronaldo’s bench), he said: “Cristiano and Ramos are different players. There is no problem with the captain of the team,” Santos said.
“It was strategic. The players are different. I also started Diogo Dalot, Raphael Guerrero; however, Joao Cancelo is a fabulous player. That’s what I thought for the match against Switzerland; in another game, it might be different.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has been a key player for Portugal since his debut in 2003. He is the Selecao’s all-time top scorer and the player with the most caps. Ronaldo has scored 118 goals in 195 international appearances so far. The veteran attacker has helped the Selecao win UEFA Euro 2016 and was named FPF Portuguese Player of the Year on five different occasions.
Cristiano Ronaldo linked with Al Nassr transfer
According to Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr is interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo. They offer him a contract of 200 million euros per year until 2025. But his offer also includes sponsorship agreements. Ronaldo’s representatives are currently reviewing the documents.
The veteran attacker has been a free agent since leaving Manchester United last month. The Red Devils terminated his contract after he gave a controversial interview to journalist Piers Morgan. In an interview, he openly criticized Manchester United’s board and manager, Erik ten Hag. Ronaldo made 40 Premier League appearances during his second spell at Old Trafford, recording 19 goals and three assists.
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Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to decide his future after the ongoing FIFA World Cup. In addition to Al Nassar, Chelsea and Newcastle United have also shown interest in signing him.
