Doha: Portugal’s legend Luis Figo criticized Portugal’s coach Fernando Santos after losing to Morocco in the pre-quarters of the World Cup. Portugal’s defeat was against Morocco by a goal in the previous match.
Figo was angered by Santos’ decision not to field superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting eleven. Figo insisted that it was a mistake to bench Cristiano and that the coach and team management cannot avoid responsibility.
“You can’t win a World Cup with Ronaldo on the bench. Granted the win against Switzerland was great, but does that happen every game? no It was a mistake to bench Ronaldo. The responsibility for this defeat lies with the coach and the management” – said Figo in a discussion about the World Cup in Sports 18.
Earlier, Ronaldo was not in the first eleven in the pre-quarter match against Switzerland. But that match was to be won by Portugal 6-1. Coach Santos fielded the same team against Morocco. But Portugal could not break through the Moroccan defence. Santos brought Ronaldo on the field after the first half. But none of that could affect the outcome of the match.
Ronaldo left the field crying after the match. Ronaldo has no childhood to tie his boots for another World Cup.