FIFA World Cup: Fernando Santos benches Cristiano Ronaldo for Round of 16 conflict vs Switzerland after substitution controversy

FIFA World Cup 2022: Days after Cristiano Ronaldo gave the impression to be irritated at Fernando Santos’ determination to substitute him, the Portugal coach dropped their captain to the bench for his or her essential Round of 16 match in opposition to Switzerland.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 6, 2022 23:28 IST

FIFA World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo benched for Portugal’s Round of 16 vs Switzerland (AP Photo)

By Reuters: Portugal coach Fernando Santos benched skipper and all-time prime scorer Cristiano Ronaldo for his or her World Cup last-16 conflict in opposition to Switzerland on Tuesday, with veteran defender Pepe taking the captain’s armband.

Ronaldo, the primary participant to attain in 5 World Cups, has just one objective in Qatar which got here in Portugal’s group opener in opposition to Ghana.

He appeared to problem Santos over the choice to substitute him of their loss to South Korea however the 37-year-old, a free agent after leaving Manchester United, denied that was the case.

Bruno Fernandes’s return shall be a lift for the 2016 European champions, nonetheless, after he grabbed two targets and two assists within the first two video games earlier than being rested for the Korea conflict.

The playmaker will slot in behind Joao Felix, who additionally returns to the beginning lineup, and Goncalo Ramos.

Xherdan Shaqiri is one objective away from matching Sepp Huegi’s document for many World Cup targets scored by a Swiss participant (six) and he traces up with skipper Granit Xhaka in midfield.

Breel Embolo, Switzerland’s prime scorer in Qatar with two targets, continues to steer the road whereas first alternative goalkeeper Yann Sommer returns after lacking their final group sport in opposition to Serbia as a result of sickness.

Portugal: Diogo Costa, Diogo Dalot, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Raphael Guerreiro, Bruno Fernandes, Otavio, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, William Carvalho, Goncalo Ramos

Switzerland: Yann Sommer, Edimilson Fernandes, Manuel Akanji, Breel Embolo, Remo Freuler, Granit Xhaka, Ricardo Rodriguez, Djibril Sow, Ruben Vargas, Fabian Schaer, Xherdan Shaqiri

Published On:

Dec 6, 2022