worn by the hat-trick of Gonçalo Ramos, preferred to the fivefold Ballon d’Or, the Portuguese rose in the quarterfinals of the World Cup, after their broad victory against the Nati (6-1).
by Clément Martel (Lusail, Qatar, Special Envoy)
There is a paradox to see a people of football pray so that the best player in their history remains on the bench. The same paradox presents itself when a crowded stage of a player enthuses when said replacement appears on the screen – including during the national anthem. But he’s like that, Cristiano Ronaldo: even absent from the field, everything relates to him.
Following an exciting meeting, Portugal qualified, Tuesday, December 6, for the quarterfinals of the World Cup, by laminating Switzerland (6-1). A part of which Ronaldo was one of the key players, although only playing the end of the match.
Particularly reviewed, Friday, when he was replaced against South Korea, Cristiano Ronaldo was publicly cropped on Monday by the Portuguese coach, Fernando Santos, who insisted “not really liked at all” The behavior of the 37 -year -old star. A first for the winning technician of Euro 2016, who had still only sworn out until then by his captain. Never, since the player put on the national jersey for the first time in 2004, a seleçao coach had dared such a release. And Wednesday, the fivefold Ballon d’Or was replacing at the start of the match.
Less visible in the star orbit, two other holders (Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo) were also asked to sit on the bench, proof that coach Fernando Santos had perceived that his team had Not particularly well played during the group phase. A strong choice that recalls the changes made before the knockout stages of Euro 2016, finally won by the Portuguese.
The hat -trick of Pistolero Ramos
The last time Portugal started an important match in a Ronaldo -free tournament on the field, at the start of Euro 2004, Gonçalo Ramos had not yet blown his third candle. Tuesday, “the strategic choice” of Fernando Santos to undermine the Swiss defense – and therefore replace “CR7” -, was paid. For his first tenure in the national team, the young striker of Benfica Lisbon (21) made the powder speak. A firecracker, first, to unravel the Swiss goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, two perfect finishes, then, and an incessant activity. Author of a hat -trick and full performance, the Portuguese pistolero could blow on his imaginary guns.
“It is an attacker who is everywhere, who participates in the construction, who creates spaces for others, and participates in the game”, congratulated him midfielder Bruno Fernandes. Qualities that the other team’s attackers do not have, Ronaldo in mind, and who allowed Portugal to develop a licked game in front of a nati outdated in all areas.
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