Sure, against the significantly weaker Faroe Islands and in a friendly. But anyway, not many people score three goals in their first team debut. On Tuesday, Goncalo Ramos also joined this narrow group, who was unexpectedly given priority over traditional captain Cristiano Ronaldo at the tip of the attack.
Editing of the round of 16 match between Portugal and SwitzerlandVideo: Czech television
The move by coach Santos aroused passions and embarrassments, but in the end it turned out to be genius. But what matters is what he does with the team. After the demolition of the Swiss, there is no reason to change the starting line-up in any way for the quarter-final with Morocco, so Ronaldo will most likely start on the bench again.
Much has been written about star CR7’s high ego and mannerisms in recent months. The highlight was the explosive end at Manchester United, which only showed that if you want Ronaldo in the squad, you have to build mutual respect and trust, in short, be able to work together. If the chemistry doesn’t happen, the native of Madeira is just a nuisance to you and you to him as well.
Erik the Hag and Ronaldo did not find their way to each other, but the situation with Santos is apparently different. “We talked about my decision before the game and he had no problem with it. We have been friends for many years. He is an example to others,” Santos said after progressing to the quarterfinals.
While some footage showed Ronaldo suffering on the bench and not very enthusiastic about his team’s leadership (mainly the goal from rookie Ramos), others clearly showed him smiling and showing genuine joy.
Whatever the mood in the Portuguese team, Santos knows very well what he can afford to do with Ronaldo, or how to communicate with him with drastic steps. Although Cristiano is coming to the end of his career, he still has excellent physical condition, a hard shot, an above-average jump and is the type of winner who can lead Portugal to success even as a substitute player. Performance and mentality.
On the contrary, any more serious dispute can lead to the breakdown of the cabin, which the Portuguese definitely do not need now. They have to prepare for the erratic Morocco and then possibly fight with the best to attack the coveted gold. And that only with Ronald in the role of leader and role model for younger colleagues.
Jiří Lizec
He has been working in the editorial office of Sport.cz and the newspaper Právo since August 2022. Before that, he spent over two years at CNN Prima NEWS, and also had a short stint at the newspaper Metro. He is a graduate of the Higher Vocational School of Journalism, and has been actively and passively involved in sports all his life.
