Portugal did not miss Cristiano Ronaldo who was on the bench as they blasted away against a neutral Switzerland team.
Goncalo Ramos scored three goals as Portugal beat Switzerland 6-1 to set up a quarter-final against Morocco at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Ramos, on the pitch in place of Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, delivered a hat-trick for the ages on Wednesday night at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, as the veterans of Portuguese football handed over the baton to the youngsters.
Veteran Pepe, wearing the captain’s mantle in Ronaldo’s absence, added to Ramos’ opener in the first half.
Ramos scored the second early in the second period. Raphael Guerreiro added a fourth before the hour mark as Portugal began their scoring spree. Then came Ramos’ third, as the 21-year-old became the first player to score a hat-trick in knockout matches at the World Cup since 1990.
There was a limit to this Portugal team without the presence of their talismanic captain, who was brought off after an angry performance as a substitute against South Korea in the group stage.
Football is a team sport, and the Portuguese team stepped up to achieve Ronaldo’s place.
Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji turned the ball in at the far post from a well-weighted cross for a consolation goal in the 56th minute – but it couldn’t bring about the game-changing effect.
Joao Felix made way for Ronaldo to celebrate in the 72nd minute, winning his 195th cap for Portugal. The veteran striker’s impressive effort in the 82nd minute was ruled offside.
Rafael Leao, 23, scored a stunning finish in the 91st minute to see off Portugal and Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday afternoon, before England face France.
More to follow…
