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Portugal have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2022 quarterfinals as they ran riots against Switzerland in the Round of 16 clash. Reportedly, star forward Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team camp on learning that he will not be starting the game against Switzerland, however, the rumours have been turned down immediately by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).
Despite the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldo starting on the bench, Portugal scored six goals against Switzerland as his replacement Goncalo Ramos scored the first hattrick in the FIFA World Cup 2022 and also become the youngest to score three goals in the knockouts since Pele.
A report from Record Portugal said that Ronaldo had threatened to leave the training camp on learning that he will start on the bench against Switzerland in the Round of 16 tie. Later, Ronaldo decided to stay as he realised his action will have a negative impact on his image. Recently, the FPF has rejected the rumours and praised their all-time top scorer.
In a statement, the FPF wrote, "At no time has the captain of the national team, Cristiano Ronaldo, threatened to leave the national team in Qatar. Every day Cristiano Ronaldo builds a unique story at the service of the national team and the country which must be respected and which attests to the indisputable degree of commitment to the national team.
"Incidentally, the degree of dedication of the player most capped by Portugal was again demonstrated – if necessary – in the victory against Switzerland, in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup."
Meanwhile, Portugal are scheduled to face the likes of Morocco in their quarterfinal fixture in the FIFA World Cup 2022 on Saturday, December 10 at the Al Thumama Stadium. The winner between Portugal and Morocco will face the winner from the quarterfinal clash between England and France later that day.
