
The coach of Portugal, Fernando Santos, on the eve of the quarter-finals of the World Cup, in the press conference, explained the decision why he left Cristiano on the bench against Switzerland. A solution not liked by number 7, but accepted without causing any problems.
"I explained to him the reasons why he would not play. I thought his coming on in the second half could decide the game. Of course Cristiano wasn't happy because he usually plays from the start, but it was a very normal and calm conversation."
Also, Santos has put an end to the rumors that Ronaldo was ready to leave the national team:
"He never said that he wanted to leave the group. I think that we should not continue with speculations, as I see that it has become fashionable to attack only Cristiano. The example he gave in the match was clearly seen, he was the one who cheered more than everyone from the bench, celebrated for all the goals. Leave Ronaldo alone."
When asked if he would use the same formation as against Switzerland against Morocco, Fernando Santos replied:
"It is said that the winning team does not change. But Morocco is different from Switzerland".