Picture Credit: Getty Images

Picture Credit: Getty Images

The quarterfinal between Morocco and Portugal got off to another surprising start as the Atlas Lions managed a take 1-0 lead thanks to En Nesyri's 42nd-minute goal. This once again got fans wondering why Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped from the playing eleven in such an important fixture.

One reason could on the lines of 'if not broken why fix it' as this strategy perfectly worked for the Portuguese in their Round of 16 game against Switzerland. The Lusail Stadium saw  Seleção das Quinas register a 6-1 win where Ronaldo didn't make an appearance until the 72nd minute. 

Without the five-time Ballon d 'Or winner, Santos has an opportunity to play a more high-pressing style of football which creates more scoring opportunities. Hence the Portugal head coach could have opted to bench CR7.

When asked, the Portuguese coach said, as Goal.com quoted, "They are different players. It was a game strategy. All the players are different. I also launched Dalot, Raphael, however, Cancelo is also a fabulous player. It was what I thought that we would need for this match against Switzerland."

Another reason could be the frustration expressed by   Fernando Santos  about his team captain’s attitude in the game against South Korea.  Santos later said Ronaldo was “not happy” to be told he was being benched, but never threatened to leave the World Cup because of the decision.

The third reason could be Ronaldo's poor form this season as Portugal's leading goal scorer has failed to produce on the club-level in the 2022-23 season. He has just netted thrice for Manchester United and hence Santos could be weary of starting Ronaldo in big games.