This was the thing that made them start looking for books. The first man to score a hat-trick in his first World Cup match since Miroslav Klose two decades ago. Youngest to score a World Cup hat-trick since Florian Albert in Hungary in 1962.
Nothing does justice to what Goncalo Ramos did for Portugal in their 6-1 win over Switzerland. This was not Klose’s first hat-trick in Germany. Albert had already established himself. Ramos had not played for his country three weeks ago.
And yet, here he was, drafted into the squad for the 2022 World Cup knockout game in place of Cristiano Ronaldo. The all-time leading scorer in men’s international football. A change of legend.
Goncalo Ramos scored Portugal’s first goal against Switzerland
The stress must be confusing if not overwhelming. But with 33 minutes of international time to pray, he used the next 67 to score three goals, confirming his manager’s decision and breathing new life into the Portuguese team.
“It’s not easy to replace Ronaldo, but he faces it like normal,” said Joao Nuno Fonseca. Sky Sports. “He has good technical skills but it’s more than that, it’s his character as a person. We heard that before at Benfica. It’s not surprising that he does this.
“He’s showing the world what he can do now. He deserves this.”
Fonseca coached Ramos when he played for the Benfica B team in Portugal’s second division and in their last trip to the UEFA Youth League in 2020. His continued performance against Switzerland which shocked the world is not surprising.
Goncalo Ramos scored his second goal of the match against Switzerland
“Goncalo is a player who in terms of mental stability is very good with this. He has such potential. He is not affected by the media, pressure. He knows his potential and what he can give in the game, that is the most important thing.”
Anticipation is his greatest strength
His different intentions were clear. There was a fierce left-footed shot for the opener and a smart run near the post that brought in his second. The goal of the hat-trick was a dinked effort with his right foot that showed his stability. Travel was important.
Goncalo Ramos completes his hat-trick in a 6-1 win over Switzerland
“I think what makes him stand out the most is his ability to anticipate moves in front of defenders,” explains Fonseca. “He reads the game very well, that’s why he can find places that others can’t find.
“That’s why playing him as a striker is appropriate but he is a player who gives the coach more options because he also has the ability to play as a destructive player between players and players. position when he was young.”
This is important because it is Ramos’ ability to connect the team that has to convince Fernando Santos that he is the best option. Ronaldo can still score. Rafael Leao has been doing this for Milan and has made six. Ramos does a lot.
Santos explained the requirements of the shooting game in a discussion with Leao before the game. “Unlike his team, which has passes to travel from the left, here they have to keep our shape and they are fighting it,” said the Portuguese coach.
Ramos achieved the brief against Switzerland. “He can play as a guide here and it’s in line with the idea of Fernando Santos,” adds Fonseca. It’s what he did for having something that his coach would enjoy – even before his goals.
How his pressure helped Portugal
“Without the ball, in the first period of the game, we didn’t have many chances. But his influence in terms of not allowing Switzerland to establish their attacking team was great. This had a big impact on the team and the game. .
“The challenge he gives to the whole team is amazing. It’s the power of that pressure when Portugal doesn’t have the ball, that’s what keeps the other lines of the team together. That’s why the team was so cohesive.”
Joao Felix had his best performance at the World Cup, lighting up Portugal in the final third. Bruno Fernandes also impressed. It’s nice to say that they were brave in Ronaldo’s absence but this was tactical and psychological.
With Ramos, everything else clicked. Expectations will inevitably follow. One game may have changed his professional life. The next three will change his life. “This will have a big impact but the goal is so big that he won’t feel pressured,” adds Fonseca.
Goncalo Ramos is sent off by his teammates after scoring against Portugal
“He can’t lose his focus because he doesn’t just focus on the outside, but his work and what his coach wants him to do. Mentally he has limits, that’s why he can do what he did. Why he replaced Ronaldo.”
For his former coach, there is pride. “The biggest thing for us as coaches is to see our academy players go to the first team and the whole world to see their talent. I enjoyed working with him to see what he is doing now at the highest level and the big cup.”
Maybe Goncalo Ramos has another trophy in mind now.
