Cristiano Ronaldo to not start for Portugal in FIFA World Cup quarters vs Morocco, hints Fernando Santos

FIFA World Cup 2022: Portugal might choose to bench Cristiano Ronaldo in the quarterfinals vs Morocco, hinted manager Fernando Santos. The coach said that the Portugal captain was still an integral part of the squad despite controversy.

In Short

Cristiano Ronaldo was benched in Portugal's 6-1 win over Switzerland in the Round of 16

Portugal manager reportedly took the step after Ronaldo threw a fit in the group stage match vs South Korea

Portugal coach Fernando Santos has cleared the air over the situation

By LAKSHY DREAM FOUNDATION GLOBAL NEWS Web Desk: Cristiano Ronaldo might not be starting for Portugal in the team's quarter-finals fixture against Morocco in the FIFA World Cup 2022. Portugal, who blasted Switzerland 6-1 in their Round of 16 fixture did not have Ronaldo in their starting XI after coach Fernando Santos decided to bench the player. The move came after Santos got to know about the fit that Ronaldo had thrown after being called into the bench to be substituted.

Without Ronaldo, Portugal started brightly and took apart the Swiss team, in a game that seemed like match practice. Ronaldo himself came into the pitch in the second half, but did not add to his tally in the current edition of the FIFA World Cup.

Asked about Ronaldo's role after he was benched for the Round of 16 game, Santos said that it was still to be defined.

"That is still something that has to be defined. I have a very close relationship with him - I always have, I have known him since he was 19 years old," Santos said in a press conference ahead of the game.

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"This relationship only develops, Ronaldo and I never interpret the human aspect of that of manager and player (in relation to)

what we have to do during the match. I will always consider in my role that he is an important player to have in the team," the coach further added.

Asked if he would start against a spirited Morocco in the quarter-final of the competition, Santos hinted that the player might be benched for the game.

"Ronaldo will definitely (be involved), all the players on the bench can be used, if they are not in the starting line-up they can play later. It is important to look at the example of this player's history, he is one of the best players in the world at playing professionally, being captain - all we have to do is think about this team collectively," Santos concluded on the matter.