Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo started a match on the bench for Portugal for the first time at a major tournament since Euro 2008. Francois Nel/Getty Images Europe/Getty ...

That led to Ronaldo being dropped from the match day squad for United’s next game. It unclear whether Ronaldo will regain his place in the starting lineup for Portugal’s quarterfinal against Morocco, but even if he doesn’t, Santos being able to call on one of the greatest goalscorers in the sport’s history isn’t a bad option to have. He was seen cheering on his teammates for much of the match and joined in with the celebrations when they scored, including those of Gonçalo Ramos, who replaced Ronaldo in the starting lineup and scored this World Cup’s first hat-trick. His star quality remains, too, with the Lusail Stadium filled with chants of “Ronaldo, Ronaldo” when he entered the field of play to arguably the biggest roar of the night – the game’s seven goals included. It’s still not clear exactly why Ronaldo was dropped to the bench, but his performances of late have been well below the lofty standards he has set for himself throughout his career. Next came the tell-all interview with Piers Morgan, in which Ronaldo called out almost everybody at Manchester United – including the cooks – which ultimately lead to the end of his second stint at the club as both parties decided to part ways.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to cause a stir at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. The Portugal star was a substitute in the round of 16 match against Switzerland and ...

The press covering the Portuguese national team showed their surprise for what was witnessed at the Portugal base camp. The Portuguese had not started a match from the bench since 2008. The starters did some work in the gym and CR7 stayed with them. - World Cup 2022. From Portugal's training camp, they assure that Cristiano Ronaldo does not have any discomfort and is in perfect condition, but it is surprising that he was not with the group of substitutes who worked on the training field. although the fans still adore him](https://www.marca.com/en/world-cup/2022/12/06/638fbab946163f6a7c8b45d6.html)

Ronaldo breaks silence over World Cup benching as girlfriend launches blistering attack.

He is very dynamic and the observations I made and that is what he ended up showing us. When asked to explain Ronaldo being out of the starting lineup, Santos said: “Andre [Silva] who is a great player who plays more advanced, Cristiano is more fixed, he stays in a more determined area towards the box. All the players on the bench can be used [against Morocco [even] if they are not in the starting XI.” He is one of the best players in the world and therefore all we have to do is come [together] collectively.” What a shame not to have been able to enjoy the best player in the world during the 90 minutes. Santos benched Ronaldo following the superstar’s reaction after being taken off the pitch in Portugal’s final group match, a 2-1 loss to South Korea.

SportsBrief.com News - Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo continues to cause a stir at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Here are five low moments the veteran has ...

But while the five-time Ballon d'Or winner did mingle with teammates, he was the first player to head down the tunnel. Santos' side did so without their most notable player for a large part of the game. The ball flew past Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, with Ronaldo wheeling in celebration as if he'd got the final touch with a glancing header. However, FIFA ultimately gave the goal to Fernandes. Ronaldo and his teammates lock horns against the Swiss in a last-16 World Cup clash at the Lusail Stadium, with the winner to face Morocco in the quarter-finals. Portugal cruised to a 2-0 victory over Uruguay at the Lusail Stadium, to qualify for the