Portugal football team boss Fernando Santos has criticized his superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for his behavior when he was substituted in the group game against South Korea.
“Did I see the pictures? Yes. Did I like it? Not at all. I didn’t like it at all,” said Santos before the World Cup round of 16 against Switzerland on Tuesday in Lusail (8 p.m. / live ORF 1). “But these things are resolved internally, then it goes on. Everyone is focused on the game.”
Captain Ronaldo scolded and discussed when he was substituted in the 65th minute in the 2-1 draw against South Korea. Both Santos and his superstar then said Ronaldo had been upset by an opponent who had asked him to leave the field faster. “I didn’t hear anything on the field, he was too far away. I only heard him arguing with the Korean player,” said Santos. “But the issue has been resolved, and we’ve ticked it.”
Asked if Ronaldo would start the first knockout game in Qatar, the 68-year-old coach said: “I’ll tell the team as soon as we get to the stadium, it always has been.” All players are ready for action. Santos had always defended Ronaldo, even if the whirlwind of the 37-year-old’s separation from Manchester United and his club search overshadowed Portugal’s tournament from the start.
