Portugal-Switzerland
The news from Portugal-Switzerland was that star Cristiano Ronaldo started on the bench. The fact that Portugal then devoured Switzerland was secondary. That’s how it goes CR7.
Does it start or not start? Before Portugal’s eighth final against Switzerland, there was plenty of speculation whether national coach Fernando Santos would put his great star Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench. However, he had plenty of reasons to do so – there was his outcry after his early substitution against South Korea and his limited added value this tournament – but Ronaldo on the bench? That would be sacrilege.
Hattrickheld Ramos
But Santos showed no mercy to Ronaldo and he was over right. It was Ronaldo’s replacement Gonçalo Ramos (21) who scored a hat-trick. The 1–0 in particular was glorious. The Benfica striker was also responsible for the third and fifth goal.
Portugal didn’t need Ronaldo, the world obviously needed a lot more. During the national anthem, the cameras turned their lenses towards the dugout rather than the field. Ronaldo eagerly sang along, as those images showed. When there was celebration, he also showed the necessary enthusiasm.
But the fans wanted to see Ronaldo. They had paid for that. Ronaldo! Ronaldo!” blared from every box. In the warm-up zone, one was as happy as a child, but he did everything he could not to show it – he could miss another riot.
In minute 73, the fans got their way. Ronaldo came in. The sound in the stadium was less impressive even after the goals. Ronaldo thought it was pretty fun. This was the confirmation: he remains the star.
With every ball touch from Ronaldo, who had immediately received the captain’s armband from Pepe, the decibels went up. With the (anti) climax being 6–1, disallowed for offside. For the rest he barely stood out, and yet he stood out. Just by being there.
Apart from all the Ronaldo madness, Portugal made a statement on Tuesday. Morocco awaits tournament revelation in the quarterfinals on Saturday. In Portugal they think the way to the semi-finals is open.
PORTUGAL-SWITZERLAND6–1DOELPUNTEN: 17′ Ramos 1–0; 33′ Pepe 2–0; 51′ Ramos 3–0; 55′ Guerreiro 4–0; 58′ Akanji 4–1; 67′ Ramos 5–1; 90+2′ Lion 6–1
