This was probably the first time in Portugal’s football history when Cristiano Ronaldo had to sit on the bench in a FIFA World Cup match. He was not part of Portugal’s starting line-up in the Round-16 match. There is a discussion in the whole football world about why Ronaldo was put on the bench.
The 37-year-old forward was placed on the bench by Portugal coach Fernando Santos against Switzerland. He remained on the bench during the impressive 6–1 victory. His girlfriend Georgina Rodríguez has flared up on this and has vented her anger on coach Fernando Santos.
Ronaldo’s Girlfriend Flared Up
Posting on Insta, Georgina Rodríguez wrote, “Congratulations Portugal. All eyes were on you when the 11 players sang the national anthem. What a shame I could not enjoy the best player in the world for 90 minutes. The fans couldn’t stop asking for you and shouting your name.”
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When Portugal took a 4–1 lead, the crowd at Lusail Stadium was chanting, “Ronaldo! Ronaldo!” Ronaldo, wearing a yellow bib, sat quietly in the dugout. Ronaldo entered the field in the 72nd minute when the fans went berserk.
The Manager Told The Reason For Putting Ronaldo On The Bench
Portugal coach Fernando Santos said his decision to leave Cristiano Ronaldo out of his squad for Tuesday’s 6-1 win over Switzerland in the last 16 World Cup was “strategic and nothing more.” Santos expressed his displeasure over Ronaldo’s reaction to being suspended in the final group stage game against South Korea but said the matter had no effect.
He said that Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world playing professionally and as a captain…so we have to think about this team collectively. Meanwhile, Ramos got a chance in place of Ronaldo. Ramos, 21, scored a hat-trick in the knockout match of the World Cup. Portugal beat Switzerland 6–1 to advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face Morocco.
