Portugal coach Fernando Santos has downplayed his decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo, saying there is “no problem” with his captain.
Santos opted to start Goncalo Ramos instead of his country’s all-time record goalscorer, with the 21-year-old repaying the faith by scoring the first hat-trick of this year’s World Cup.
Ramos’ goal helped Portugal thrash Switzerland 6-1 with Ronaldo watching from the bench for large parts.
Santos’ decision to bench Ronaldo came after he insisted he “really didn’t like” his captain’s antics after he was substituted in the match against South Korea.
However, after his side’s 6-1 win, Santos insisted there is no problem with Ronaldo.
“Cristiano and Ramos are different players,” he said after the match as per FootballJOE.
“There is no problem with our captain. We’ve been friends for years.
“We spoke before the game and he had no issue with my decision.
“He’s an example.”
Portugal will now face Morocco in their first quarter-final appearance since the 2006 FIFA World Cup on Saturday.
