By: Carlos Salinas, Special Representative.
Although Cristiano Ronaldo was on the bench for most of the game, Portugal They defeated Switzerland 6-1 and finished last in the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Qatar 2022.
Fernando Santos He decided to put Gonçalo Ramos in the place of ‘CR7’ and boy did he exceed expectations. The 21-year-old forward scored the opening goal in the 17th minute with a devastating shot against goalkeeper Sommer’s post.
After the Benfica player’s goal, the Portuguese took control of the game and in the 33rd minute took advantage of another opportunity. By taking a corner kick Bruno Fernandes, Pepe extended the lead in the ball and Portugal went into half-time with a 2-0 lead.
The goal party did not stop at the addition, since ramos (51.) scored again after a low cross from Dalot for the third goal for the Portuguese.
In the minutes that followed, Switzerland conceded another goal from their rivals, this time from Raphael Guerreiro (55′), who went hand in hand with the goalkeeper and scored with his left foot to make it 4-0.
The Portuguese won their key in the round of 16 by overwhelmingly beating the Swiss. Photo: EFE
The led by sure They managed to discount with 58 minutes thanks to Manuel Akanji, but it would do little to avoid their eminent defeat.
Ramos shone again in the 67th minute after receiving an exquisite pass from Joao Felix to spear the ball over Sommer, sealing his hat-trick in the biggest game of his career.
As if that wasn’t enough, Santos decided to move the bench and among the proceeds was Ronaldo, who was desperate to score his ninth goal at the World Cup to take on Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.
Raphael Leo He was selected to score the final goal of the game at 92 minutes with an angle shot, confirming Portugal’s pass to the next round of the World Cup. The Portuguese are highly motivated and preparing to face Morocco on Saturday 10 December.