The Portuguese team thrashed Switzerland (6-1) and settled in the quarterfinals of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Despite the bulky result and the football exhibition, the coach of the Portuguese, Fernando Santos, was cautious after the commitment that , to the surprise of many, had Cristiano Ronaldo as a substitute.
“I already explained it and I won’t explain it again, they are different players”indicated the coach about Cristiano and Gonçalo Ramos, author of three of the six goals for his team.
“It was due to game characteristics, they are different players. Dalot also entered, Cancelo came out… It has to do with what I thought about the dynamics of the game. Problem? I already answered that question. No problem, we have been friends for many years. Everything is fully arranged and he set the example of a true captain”, added the Portugal coach.
Fernando Santos, on the other hand, praised the match made by his players, but preferred to be prudent. “It wasn’t a perfect match, but it was a very successful night. There was attitude, concentration at every moment of the game. It was a great game, but now the most important thing is to get down to earth and put your feet on the ground. It was great, but there are three games left and we have the next one in four days”said.
Minutes before the start of the match, Santos had denied that the reason for the substitution of ‘CR7’ was due to the gesture of displeasure when he decided to replace him in the clash against South Korea, at the end of the group stage.
“Nothing linked, that matter is closed. It was a strategic option, which we had been preparing for this game for a few days, with different moves. A strategic option, nothing more, he is an exemplary professional and if he has to go the game will help Portugal a lot “the coach pointed out to Sport TV.
When is Portugal vs. Morocco?
Having overcome the challenge called Switzerland, Portugal must begin to focus on Morocco, which hours before left Spain on the road in a penalty shootout. Said match is scheduled for this Saturday, December 10 at 10:00 am (Peruvian time), at the Al Thumama Stadium, in the city of Doha.
Source: Elcomercio
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