This year’s FIFA World Cup was one drama filled event. However, the most shocking was the benching of the team’s heart Cristiano Ronaldo in two of the most significant games of the event.
After a controversial match against the South Korea at the group stage, the Portuguese team coach Fernando Santos decided to bench star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo in the round of 16 match against Switzerland. However, Ronaldo was later called in as a substitute in the 72nd minute. However, this just justified by the replacement Goncalo Ramos’ hattrick during the 6-1 winning game.
To majority of fans shock, Ronaldo was benched again during a crucial match of his career against Morocco in the quarterfinals. Unfortunately, Morocco proved too strong for the Portuguese football team. And the result seemingly didn’t change even after Ronaldo’s substitution dropping after the first half. As the team exited the 2022 World Cup Qatar following a 1-0 defeat against the Atlas lions. Coach Fernando Santos’ decision for benching Ronaldo was heavily criticized by football fans and critiques worldwide.
Unsurprisingly, the eight-year long coach of the Portugal national football team, Fernando Santos was recently sacked out following his team’s exit from the international event. Official announcement was recently disclosed publicly about his termination from the team following his recent failure.
The former Portuguese coach, Santos has developed a very impressive record of 61.5%-win rate throughout his 8 years at the team. He previously led the team to winning Euro in 2016. However, his recent losses with the team’s exit from both 2018 and 2022 world cup, and the 2021 Euro have taken quite a toll in his performance chart.
The ex-Porto and Roma manager Paulo Foncesca is expected to be taking up the position following Fernando Santos’ exit as the coach of Portugal national football team. Fans are looking forward to the upcoming coach’s direction that will pave the way for Portugal’s journey to Euro 2024 and forwards.
