​Portugal advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Tuesday night with a 6-1 victory over Romania’s future Euro 2024 opponents Switzerland.

WC-2022: full draw for the quarter-finals of Qatar

Cristiano Ronaldo did not start and was introduced only in the 74th minute, when he replaced Joao Felix. However, Fernando Santos was greatly inspired as Gonzalo Ramos, the striker introduced in Cristiano’s place, scored a hat-trick (17th, 51st and 67th minutes).

Currently free of contract after parting ways with Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo made a new gesture that left room for interpretation at the end of the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo left the pitch as his teammates celebrated reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup

The fact that he was left on the bench says a lot about the situation in which Cristiano Ronaldo is currently experiencing.

Although he came on in the last quarter of an hour, the Lusitanian was not happy and at the end of the game, while his colleagues celebrated the victory with the fans, Cristiano left the playing surface and went straight to the locker. room.

Fernando Santos explained why Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted for Switzerland

On the eve of the minimal victory against Switzerland, the coach of the national team of Portugal, Fernando Santos, explained why he decided not to go out in the starting line-up of Cristiano Ronaldo. Moreover, the technician clarified that this is not something personal, but only a strategic option.

“No relationship, this topic is closed. This was a strategic option that I had been preparing for several days before this game with different moves.

A strategic option, nothing more. He is an exemplary professional and if he has to go on the pitch, he will help Portugal a lot.” – he said, according to Record.pt.

Georgina Rodriguez was disappointed that Ronaldo did not make the starting line-up for Switzerland

Cristiano Ronaldo’s life partner is with the Lusitanian at this World Cup and was also present on Tuesday night in the box at the Lusail Stadium, during the match against Switzerland.

Frustrated that Fernando Santos left Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, Georgina posted a message that quickly went viral.

“Congratulations to Portugal!

When the headliners sang the national anthem, all eyes (no, TV cameras) were on you.

It’s a shame we couldn’t enjoy the best player in the world for 90 minutes. The fans didn’t stop cheering you on and calling your name.

I hope that God and your dear friend Fernando will continue hand in hand and make us vibrate for another night.”

Check out this Instagram post

A post shared by Georgina Rodriguez (@georginagio)