December 07, (THEWILL) – Goncalo Ramos’ hat-trick helped Portugal defeat Switzerland 6-1 to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals, thoroughly justifying the decision to not start Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo’s behaviour after being replaced in their loss to South Korea had infuriated coach Fernando Santos, and the veteran manager used the chance to bench the 37-year-old player on Tuesday.
Ramos took 17 minutes to score in a World Cup knockout match, something that Ronaldo has never accomplished for Portugal, and he would ultimately contribute to four goals.
Pepe scored Portugal’s second goal and Ramos set up Raphael Guerreiro, for Portugal’s third. Manuel Akanji may have provided a consolation goal for Switzerland but Ramos completed his hat-trick and Rafael Leao, placed a stunning winner to make Switzerland’s drive a mere footnote. Santos brought in Ronaldo and though he scored, it was ruled out for offside.
With the Atlas Lions’ progress earlier in the evening and the shocked exit of Spain, Portugal will clash with Morocco, at the Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday. The competition for Switzerland is over as they will return home.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
