The decision by Portugal manager Fernando Santos to bench Cristiano Ronaldo for their World Cup round of 16 match against Switzerland was not personal but a strategic decision.
Following his irate reaction to being replaced in Portugal’s last group stage encounter against South Korea, it was announced earlier on Tuesday that the former Manchester United attacker would start from the bench.
Santos was questioned over his choice to switch out the 37-year-old with the untested Goncalo Ramos. Santos stated earlier this week that he was not a fan of Ronaldo’s actions after the defeat to South Korea.
“Cristiano and Ramos are different players. There is no problem with the captain of the national team,” Santos said.
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“It was strategic. Players are different. I also started [Diogo] Dalot, Raphael [Guerreiro], however [Joao] Cancelo is a fabulous player. That’s what I thought for the game against Switzerland, in another game it might be different.”
The Portugal manager was still questioned to explain his decision further: “Didn’t I already answer this question? There is no problem between Fernando Santos and the captain of the national team. We’ve been friends for many years and things don’t affect us. Coaches make decisions. I already explained, that part was completely resolved and he set an example of a great captain.”
Ramos, who scored a stunning hat-trick for Portugal in Ronaldo’s absence, became the youngest player since Pele to score three goals in the World Cup’s knockout rounds.
Portugal’s attacking play was stunning. Ronaldo entered the game for the final 20 minutes and scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
