Portugal boss Fernando Santos has admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo’s function for the remainder of the World Cup nonetheless must be “outlined” after he was dropped.
The 37-year-old was changed by Goncalo Ramos for Portugal’s last-16 tie in opposition to Switzerland. The newcomer netted a hat-trick in his World Cup debut as Santos’ aspect ran out 6-1 winners to advance.
Ronaldo was dropped after he reacted angrily to being subbed off throughout Portugal’s final sport versus South Korea.
Gary Neville hit out at Ronaldo earlier than the Switzerland sport, claiming that the ahead’s “petulance” should “cease”.
Requested about Ronaldo, who left Manchester United beneath a cloud throughout the finals, Santos stated: “That’s nonetheless one thing that needs to be outlined.
“I’ve a really shut relationship with him – I at all times have, I’ve recognized him since he was 19 years outdated.
“This relationship solely develops, Ronaldo and I by no means interpret the human side of that of supervisor and participant (in relation to) what we now have to do throughout the match. I’ll at all times think about in my function that he’s an necessary participant to have within the staff.”
When requested instantly if Ronaldo would play in opposition to Morocco, Santos replied bullishly: “Ronaldo will certainly (be concerned), all of the gamers on the bench can be utilized, if they aren’t within the beginning line-up they will play later.
“You will need to take a look at the instance of this participant’s historical past, he is among the finest gamers on the earth at enjoying professionally, being captain – all we now have to do is consider this staff collectively.”
Ramos had performed simply 33 minutes of senior worldwide soccer earlier than his gorgeous show in Qatar however Santos stated the ahead had “stood out” earlier than he threw the 21-year-old into the limelight.
Ramos thrashed in a spectacular left-footed strike 17 minutes into his full debut, which Pepe added to with a strong header because the 39-year-old grew to become the oldest goalscorer in World Cup knockout historical past.
Portugal continued within the ascendancy after half-time as Ramos turned residence from shut vary earlier than enjoying in Raphael Guerreiro to open up a four-goal benefit.
The Benfica striker was dissatisfied to flick on a Swiss nook for Manuel Akanji to tug one again however grew to become the primary participant in Qatar to attain a hat-trick by coolly clipping over Yann Sommer.
The group chanted Ronaldo’s identify and bought their want as he got here on, with the star seeing a objective disallowed for offside earlier than fellow substitute Rafael Leao curled residence a magnificence.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin conceded Portugal had been the higher aspect however stated whether or not Ronaldo began or not had no affect on the consequence.
“We’ve to confess that our opponent at the moment was higher, sooner and extra offensive,” he stated.
“Sadly, our sport plan didn’t work out and we now have to simply accept that and I congratulate our opponents on this win. Defeat is painful, we’re unhappy about how we performed.
“We had a transparent sport plan, we had practised it, we additionally had check video games and the staff was conversant in the system and formation.
“Whether or not Ronaldo is enjoying or not, all of our gamers are in a position to play soccer however the opponent bought into the sport higher and we didn’t handle to get an excellent begin, we noticed that many issues didn’t work out for us.”
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