A benched Cristiano Ronaldo saw his replacement, 21-year-old Goncalo Ramos, come in and score his first World Cup hat trick as Portugal beat Switzerland 6-1.
The early pace of Tuesday’s game quickly changed as Ramos’ first goal opened the floodgates for the Portuguese side, with three more goals unanswered by the Swiss before half-time.
Ronaldo’s absence appears to be the second time the team has come together and shown devastating unity, even with their legendary captain on the bench.
Manuel Akanji scored a good goal for Switzerland in the 56th minute, but it was only a bucket against the rising tide.
Ronaldo came on in the 72nd minute to thunderous applause, after which a powerful shot into the Swiss net was ruled offside and disallowed.
The Portuguese will now enter the quarterfinals and will play against giants Morocco on December 10, 2022, at the Al Thumama Stadium.
