06:06 PM
‘Big call by Fernando Santos’
06:01 PM
Destined for the bench
05:59 PM
Team news
05:56 PM
Ronaldo dropped as Portugal begin their knockout campaign
Hello and welcome to Telegraph Sport’s live coverage of Portugal versus Switzerland, with kick off at the Lusail Stadium at 7pm.
Cristiano Ronaldo will start on the bench in Portugal’s first knockout match of the tournament, following coach Fernando Santos’ criticism of the national talisman’s behaviour against South Korea.
Ronaldo was substituted in Portugal’s final group stage match, and was seen talking and gesturing as he made his way to the bench. Whilst Santos had initially thought Ronaldo’s reaction was directed at a South Korean opponent, review of the footage marked Ronaldo’s exit out as one of frustration in light of Santos’ decision.
In his pre-match press conference, Santos brought up the incident, saying: “I didn’t like. Not at all. I really didn’t like it.”
Ronaldo occupies a towering position in Portuguese football, and for many, might be seen as undroppable, particularly in these critical stages of the tournament.
But Santos’ decision ahead of today’s match suggests a shattering of this impression, in a show of strength which echoed Ronaldo’s former club manager, Erik ten Hag’s decision to drop Ronaldo from the matchday squad following his player’s refusal to come on as a substitute against Tottenham in October.
Ronaldo formally parted ways with Manchester United at the end of last month following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan where the Portugal player openly disparaged both the club and the manager.
The interview aired ahead of Portugal’s first match in the tournament, and threatened to cast a pall over Portugal’s preparations; instead, trouble of a difference shade has kept Ronaldo from starting for his country as he bids to challenge for one of the few trophies that has eluded him.
We will be bringing you the rest of the team news, build-up, and live reaction to Ronaldo’s dropping ahead of kick-off, so make sure to stay tuned.
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