FIFA World Cup 2022: The Round 16 match of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar took place on Tuesday night, in which Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal squared off against Switzerland. To everyone’s surprise, Portugal manager Fernando Santos decided to sit Ronaldo for this important game. Gancalo Ramos received his first start in the place of the 37-year-old who was not named to the starting lineup.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend criticises Portugal manager
In his team’s 6-1 triumph over the Swiss at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, the 21-year-old came through with a hat-trick. Ronaldo came off the bench in the 73rd minute but had little impact. This was the first time since 2008 that Portugal did not have Ronaldo start a game. He once scored, but it was called back for offside in the buildup, so the goal was overturned.
Following the match, Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, posted a photo to Instagram criticising Portugal coach Fernando Santos for benching him.
Taking to Instagram, she wrote “Portugal, congratulations. All goals were placed on you as the 11 players performed the national anthem. It’s too bad he didn’t get to see the best player in the world for 90 minutes. Fans are still claiming you and yelling your name. I pray to God and your wonderful buddy Fernando to hold hands and keep us buzzing for one more night.”
See her post here
When asked why he decided to rest Ronaldo for the pivotal knockout game after the Round of 16 game, Portugal’s manager cited “strategic and nothing more” as the reason.
Portugal made it to the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2006 with its victory over Switzerland. On Saturday, they will play Morocco in their next game (December 10).
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