Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo did not make the starting playing XI in a Round of 16 match against Switzerland at the Lusail Stadium on Wednesday.
Ronaldo is not starting a game for his national side at a major tournament for the first time since the European Championships in 2008. He has played 31 matches for Portugal since. Interestingly, that game was against the Swiss as well. Portugal lost the match with a full-time scoreline of 2-0.
Ronaldo, who is playing the World Cup for the first time as a free agent in Qatar 2022, last missed the starting lineup in the quadrennial showpiece in 2006 – in a group stage match against Mexico.
There were already doubts whether Ronaldo will line up in the knockout fixture after a reported disagreement with the coach Fernando Santos.
In the 1-2 defeat to South Korea last week, Ronaldo was unhappy with Santos’ decision to take him off the pitch in the second half. The Portuguese media have shown images that suggest he used vulgar language in response to Santos’ decision.
Santos said he was unimpressed with Ronaldo’s behaviour. “I didn’t like it at all. I didn’t like it at all. Then these matters are resolved in-house,” the 68-year-old said.
“They are over. It is the end of the story regarding this issue and now we’re thinking about the game tomorrow and everyone is fully focused on the match preparations.”
More to follow…
#Cristiano #Ronaldo #benched #FIFA #World #Cup, sportstar.thehindu.com
