Cristiano Ronaldo, 73′ on the bench makes noise: Fernando Santos cuts short

Fernando Santos laconic on choice to keep Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench for 73′

Despite the previous game’s spat and Fernando Santos’ harsh words in a press conference, it still surprised insiders the Portugal coach’s choice to keep Cristiano Ronaldo out of the starting eleven in the round of 16 against Switzerland. CR7 did not enter until the 73rd minute, with the game all but over (a few minutes earlier the striker who played in his place, Gonçalo Ramos, had scored the 5-1 goal), seeing a goal cancelled out for offside in the 84th minute.

Inevitable, from ‘RTP’ reporters, was the question regarding the decision to keep the Portuguese captain out until the last quarter of the game. Fernando Santos’ response was almost testy: “I chose Gonçalo thinking about his characteristics, not anything else. Cancelo did not play either, I chose Dalot: I only thought about winning the game. There are no problems between me and Cristiano, we have been friends for many years. Everything is completely resolved and he, tonight, gave the example of a true captain.”