CNN
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The Portuguese Soccer Federation (FPF) on Thursday denied that star ahead Cristiano Ronaldo had threatened to go away the World Cup squad after being named instead in opposition to Switzerland earlier this week.
The 37-year-old striker was dropped from the beginning lineup for Tuesday’s final 16 conflict together with his alternative, Benfica ahead Gonçalo Ramos, stepping as much as rating a chic hat-trick as Portugal thumped the Swiss 6-1.
Portuguese publication Document reported on Thursday that the striker had beforehand threatened to go away the squad following a dialog with supervisor Fernando Santos.
“The FPF clarifies that at no time did the captain of the nationwide group, Cristiano Ronaldo, threaten to go away the nationwide group through the keep in Qatar,” learn the assertion.
“Day-after-day, Cristiano Ronaldo is build up a novel observe file of service to the nationwide group and the nation, which should be revered and which speaks to the unquestionable diploma of dedication to the nationwide group.”
Ronaldo additionally took to social media simply hours after the FPF assertion to reaffirm his dedication to the group, saying: “A gaggle too united to be damaged by exterior forces. A nation too courageous to be afraid of any adversary. A group within the true sense of the phrase, who will battle for the dream to the top! Imagine with us!”
It’s nonetheless not clear precisely why Ronaldo was dropped to the bench, however his performances of late have been properly under the lofty requirements he has set for himself all through his profession.
Santos stated in his pre-match press convention forward of the spherical of 16 that he was sad together with his captain’s response to being substituted within the earlier recreation in opposition to South Korea.
It was the primary time Ronaldo was omitted of the beginning lineup for Portugal at a significant event since Euro 2008.
With out the veteran striker, the Portuguese outfit appeared extra energetic going ahead and the younger Ramos gave the Switzerland defenders nightmares together with his depth and high quality within the closing third.
The win in opposition to Switzerland was Portugal’s greatest efficiency of the event and begs the query as as to if Ronaldo will be capable to battle his method again into the beginning lineup for his facet’s quarterfinal tie in opposition to Morocco on Saturday, because it seems to be to ebook a semifinal spot for the primary time since 2006.