Amid increasing internal and external pressure, Portugal head coach Fernando Santos yanked star forward Cristiano Ronaldo from the starting lineup for the World Cup Round of 16 match against Switzerland.
Santos had previously indicated that Ronaldo would not be a lock to start the match, and the Portuguese media had begun to call for Ronaldo's replacement on the field as Portugal sought for a place in the quarterfinals.
The decision came in the wake of Ronaldo's angry reaction to being substituted in the 65th minute of the final group stage game against South Korea, which Portugal went on to lose 2-1. But the Portugal insists that it had nothing to do with the decision, although he made it public that he wasn't happy with it.
It feels like a while ago now that the tournament started with a celebration of Ronaldo as he became the first male player in history to score at five FIFA World Cup tournaments with his penalty against Ghana in the opening group stage match of the 2022 tournament.
When asked about the lineup switch in the hour before the match, Fernando Santos indicated that Ronaldo starting off the bench was part of his strategy all along. Ronaldo came off the bench to play the final 17 minutes.
Cristiano Ronaldo benched vs Switzerland at World Cup:
Just days after reports that Cristiano Ronaldo had signed the most lucrative club contract in football with a Saudi Arabian club, the Portuguese superstar was benched for his nation's World Cup Round of 16 match against Switzerland in Qatar.Ronaldo did not start against Switzerland, with 21-year-old Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos slotted into the starting lineup in his place.
The move was a massive call from head coach Fernando Santos, who had previously resisted calls for Ronaldo's benching earlier in the tournament.
Ronaldo had not come off the bench for a World Cup match since the 2006 tournament, his first of five career tournaments. In that 2006 edition he was rested for the third-round group match against Mexico with Portugal already qualified by then.
Ronaldo had started every other one of his 19 World Cup appearances in his career before the December 6 match against Switzerland.
Manager Fernando Santos was vindicated for his decision when Benfica youngster Goncalo Ramos scored a hat trick in just 67 minutes of play.
Cameras focused on Ronaldo in the wake of the celebrations of the first goal and at one point he was calmly seated, expressionless.
But photos shared after the match did show him participating in some of the post-goal celebrations:
What was equally interesting is that Ronaldo was brought on to replace Ramos with the score at 5-1 for Portugal.
As the substitution happened on the sidelines, Ramos was the one to give Ronaldo a tap on the back, but the five-time Ballon d'Or winner didn't do much celebrating of Portugal's hat-trick hero.
Fermando Santos comments postgame, and so does Ronaldo
Here's what Fernando Santos had to say about his decision to replace Ronaldo with Goncalo Ramos:
"It's a strategic option that we've been preparing for a few days," Fernando Santos told media, reiterating that it had nothing to do with Ronaldo's antics in the match against South Korea. "He is an example, and if he has to go into a game he will definitely help Portugal.
"It's good to look at the example set by this extraordinary player — for me the best in the world — in terms of his professionalism," Santos continued. "Captain, the way he celebrated the goals, the way he came in with an enormous willingness. We have to celebrate the team spirit. If we can improve certain things, we'll be on the right path."
After the match Ronaldo's post on Instagram made it look like nothing had happened:
"Incredible day for Portugal, with a historic result in the biggest competition in world football. Rich display by a team full of talent and youth. Congratulations to our national team. The dream is alive! Until the end! Come on, Portugal!"And yet the postgame was also dominated by video of Ronaldo heading to the lockers early instead of remaining on the field to celebrate with his teammates.
And the Instagram message from Ronaldo's partner Georgina Rodriguez definitely won't help the chatter to dissipate.
"What a shame not to have been able to enjoy the best player in the world during the 90 minutes. The fans didn't stop calling for you and shouting your name. Hopefully God and your dear friend Fernando [Santos] continue hand in hand, and you can thrill us for one more night."
Meanwhile, when asked what Ronaldo said to him, hat-trick star Goncalo Ramos said: "Cristiano, as our captain, did what he does in all the games. He helped us, motivated us, and he gave us his words of support, both to me and all the others."
Ronaldo at World Cup 2022
Prior to the Switzerland game, Cristiano Ronaldo had started all three group matches for Portugal, going 88 minutes and 82 minutes in the first two victories which locked up a Round of 16 berth from Group H.
With a chance to rest the 37-year-old against South Korea in the third and final group match, manager Fernando Santos opted to start Ronaldo, taking him off after 65 minutes.
In that instance it was RB Leipzig striker Andre Silva who came on for Ronaldo, and the superstar didn't take too well to the change based on his attitude as he came off the field.
 |
| Why Cristiano Ronaldo Was Benched for Portugal World Cup Round of 16 Match vs Switzerland! |
The crowd at the Lusail Stadium definitely wanted to see him, chanting Ronaldo's name with 30 minutes remaining in the match. They finally got their wish for the final 17 minutes.
Portugal latest team to bench Cristiano Ronaldo
It's been a tough last few months for Ronaldo, who also lost his place with Manchester United. It was a situation that didn't sit well with him and he's since severed ties with the Red Devils after he made his feelings felt in a TV interview.
New Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag made Ronaldo a super sub in Premier League play, and he came off the bench for six of the 10 appearances he made in the Premier League in 2022/23.
However, Ronaldo was a midweek cup starter for Man United, featuring in the starting XI in all six Europa League group matches for Man United. Backups typically occupy that role on the clubs with large squads.
A bitter Ronaldo took to a television interview with Pier Morgan to express his discontent and it ultimately led to his departure from the club.
.jpg "Sona Solar Zimbabwe")
.jpg "Sona Solar Zimbabwe")
