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Fernando Santos explains why he dropped Cristiano Ronaldo against Switzerland.
Fernando Santos, manager of Portugal, has claimed that his decision to rest Cristiano Ronaldo for their World Cup last-16 match against Switzerland was not a personal one.
News broke earlier on Tuesday that the ex-Man Utd forward would start from the bench after his petulant response to being substituted in the Selecao’s final group-stage match against South Korea.
Santos was questioned about his choice to switch out the 37-year-old with the untested Goncalo Ramos after the team advanced to the quarterfinals. Santos stated earlier this week that he was not a fan of Ronaldo’s actions after that defeat.
“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.”
Santos was pushed for a more detailed explanation behind his decision, replying: “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.
The offensive play of the Selecao was beautiful to watch. Ronaldo entered the game for the final 20 minutes and scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside.