Cristiano Ronaldo started the game on the bench. A first since 2008 during a major tournament, thus ending a series of 31 tenures with Portugal. It must be said that Fernando Santos, the Lusitanian coach, did not appreciate the remonstrances of CR7 during his replacement against South Korea. A punishment that looked like a very risky bet, especially when we know the importance of the native of Funchal for the Seleção das Quinas.
But now, his replacement, Gonçalo Ramos, managed to forget the fivefold Ballon d’Or thanks to an XXL performance against Switzerland (6-1). Author of a hat-trick and a decisive pass, the Benfica player shone at the forefront of the Portuguese attack. Apart from his stratospheric stats, the 21-year-old impressed all observers. Despite the shadow of his elder who hovered over him, he got everyone to agree. His teammates also praised his performance at the end of the meeting.
His teammates praise his performance
Indeed, a few minutes after the final whistle, all the journalists present at the Lusail Iconic Stadium asked the Portuguese players about the man of the match, Gonçalo Ramos. Bruno Fernandes and Otavio notably gave a joint interview about their teammate. Asked about the performance of the striker of the Portuguese selection, the two players, all smiles, joked about his situation in the club. “Goncalo Ramos? He needs to do more (laughs)” started midfielder for Manchester United before being taken over by fellow FC Porto: “It would be nice if he left (from Benfica, editor’s note).”
Very lodger, Bruno Fernandes has even added a layer. “Now Otavio wants him to leave Benfica. He received a lot of our advice when we were playing cards, that’s why he does this kind of performance.notably added the Red Devil, just before his teammate in the midfield confirmed his words: “Three goals, he hurt in front, he helped us a lot.”
Fernando Santos and Pepe extinguish the fire
Fernando Santos, for his part, sought to put out the fire, swearing that it was not a punishment but a choice. “The characteristics of the game, it is different players” soberly answered the Portuguese coach to the question of why after the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portuguese eleven. Still questioned about the possible problems that would exist between him and the Portuguese star, Fernando Santos denied in block. “I already answered this question. There’s no problem, we’ve been friends for many years. Everything is completely settled and he gave the example of a true captain. concluded l’homme fort de la Seleção das Quinas.
Finally Joao Felix and Pepe wanted to highlight the collective after the superb performance of the team as a whole. “Whether Cristiano is there or not, the important thing is the team. The team also plays well when Ronaldo is there.” commented the Madrilenian. Same story for the historic central defender of Portugal: “He knows perfectly well that the most important thing is ‘us’. What happened today is the coach’s choice and it should be respected.” A good way to end the controversy.