The manager of Portugal explained his decision to rest Ronaldo for the pivotal knockout game after the Round of 16 game, claiming it was "strategic and nothing more."
Digital Desk: The Round of 16 match of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar took place on Tuesday night, involving Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal against Switzerland. To everyone's astonishment, Portugal manager Fernando Santos decided to sit Ronaldo for this pivotal game. Gancalo Ramos had his first start in the 37-year-place old's after he was left off the starting lineup.
In his team's 6-1 triumph over the Swiss at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, the 21-year-old came through with a hat-trick.
Ronaldo came off the bench in the 73rd minute but made little impact. This was the first time since 2008 that Portugal did not have Ronaldo start a game. He once scored, but it was called back for offside in the buildup, therefore the goal was overturned.
In a post on Instagram after the match, Ronaldo's girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, criticised Portugal coach Fernando Santos for benching him.
She wrote, "Portugal, congratulations. All goals were placed on you as the 11 players performed the national anthem. It's too bad he didn't get to see the best player in the world for 90 minutes. Fans are still claiming you and yelling your name. I pray to God and your wonderful buddy Fernando to hold hands and keep us buzzing for one more night."
The manager of Portugal explained his decision to rest Ronaldo for the pivotal knockout game after the Round of 16 game, claiming it was "strategic and nothing more."
"Ramos and Cristiano are two distinct athletes. The national team's captain is in good standing," Santos added.
Portugal reached the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2006 after defeating Switzerland. On Saturday, they have their next game against Morocco (December 10).
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