The 6-1 against Switzerland has been the best therapy to overcome the open crisis with the substitution of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star’s criticism of the coach when he was substituted against South Korea caused a fire that Fernando Santos resolved by leaving him on the bench against Switzerland. A risky move that Gonçalo Ramos was in charge of making it good with a hat-trick that made the former United man forget completely.
Portugal scared their rivals and now seeks unity to pursue the dream of achieving the world title. And in that company he also needs Ronaldo in Qatar. Hence the message from Fernando Santos at the end of the meeting. “We have been friends for many years. Everything is fully arranged and he set the example of a true captain.” Or that of the goalscorer Ramos. “Cristiano is our leader and he always tries to help us.”
Cheered on by the fans, Cristiano took to the field in the 74th minute and looked unsuccessfully for a goal that would comfort his ego. And at the end of the match, after embracing his teammates, he went to one of the backs of the stadium to greet the Portuguese fans and went to the changing rooms. He did not refer to his substitution, but his partner Georgina Rodríguez did through social networks. «What a shame not to have been able to enjoy the best player in the world for 90 minutes. The fans have not stopped claiming you and shouting your name”, wrote the protagonist of the reality show ‘I am Georgina’, who wished Portugal good luck and also a settlement in the situation of her partner: “I hope that God and your dear friend Fernando continue hand in hand and make us vibrate one more night,” he asked Cristiano.
We will have to see if the veteran Portuguese star assumes his new role within the national team and Portugal is a group to first address their commitment against Morocco and, if they win, the semifinals and the desired final.
For now, this Wednesday Cristiano Ronaldo did not train with the substitutes and has preferred to stay inside with the headlines, something that has caught the attention of journalists who follow the information from Portugal. According to the sports newspaper ‘A Bola’, because he did a gym session, something that Ronaldo has already done on other occasions, such as on November 30, to take care of the mechanics of a 37-year-old footballer.
