Portugal crashed out of the World Cup in Qatar in the quarter-finals and Fernando Santos was immediately asked if he would retire and if he regretted not starting alongside Cristiano Ronaldo against Morocco.
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Coach Fernando Santos does not regret leaving Cristiano Ronaldo in the reserve
2016 European champions Portugal were one of the main favorites for the World Cup in Qatar.
However, the path of the Lusitanians stopped in the quarters, the phase of the competition, where the Portuguese were defeated (1:0) by Morocco, the big surprise of the World Cup in Qatar.
The coach of the Lusitanians left Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench (as in the 1/8 final match against Switzerland, a 6:1 victory) and brought him onto the field in the 51st minute.
After the painful defeat against the Moroccans, coach Fernando Santos was asked, among other things, whether he would resign.
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The coach was later asked if he regretted not starting alongside Cristiano Ronaldo against Morocco.
“I don’t regret anything. The team played very well against Switzerland (#8). Cristiano is a great player who came when I decided he was needed. I don’t regret it” – Fernando Santoscites the Record.
In addition, Santos also stated that he is not considering resigning. However, he said he would discuss it with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation.
“The word resignation is not part of my lexicon,” he added Santos.
The coach’s current contract expires after the 2024 FIFA World Cup (hosted by Germany).
Portugal coach Fernando Santos does not regret his decision to leave Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench for the match against Morocco. pic.twitter.com/ZS4bfqBETS
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 10, 2022
WC 2022 – Full results for the quarter
Croatia – Brazil 1-1/4-2 on penalties
Argentina – Netherlands 2-2 / 4-3 after penalties
Morocco – Portugal 1-0
France – England 2-1
The semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
- Tuesday, December 13
Argentina – Croatia (Lusail Stadium – Al Daayen, 21:00)
- Wednesday, December 14
Morocco – France (Al Beit Stadium – Al Khor, 21:00).
- Small final: December 17 / 17:00 / Khalifa International Stadium
- Grand Finale: December 18 / 17:00 / Lusail Stadium.
Source: Hot News
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