To the bank! Minutes after Portugal beat Switzerland 6-1 in the Round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the footballing world was shocked to learn that DT Fernando Santos’ Cristiano Ronaldo had not been included in the starting XI. Many cried out to heaven for the captain’s absence in such an important game.
Why was Cristiano Ronaldo substituted on?
The move came after the popular ‘CR7’ showed a defiant attitude in the last match against South Korea after being substituted in the second half. Ahead of the World Cup round of 16 match, the Portuguese coach was uneasy about the Portuguese captain’s attitude.
“The truth is I didn’t have a chance to hear anything from him in the field,” explained Santos. “But then I saw the pictures on TV and I didn’t like them at all,” he said.
Confirmed line-up for Portugal without Cristiano Ronaldo
In this way, Cristiano Ronaldo He will make his first substitute appearance at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. In the three group stage games, the “Bug” started and played almost every minute, totaling 235.
Cristiano Ronaldo spoke before the game
hours before the start of the session Portugal vs. Swiss, Cristiano Ronaldo He posted an encouraging message to his team on his Instagram account.
“Today is for Portugal! For the Portuguese! For us and for us! Today is for all the dreams we carry within each of us! Let’s go with everything!” he wrote on his Instagram account.