Ronaldo inspires Portugal off-the-field

IS Cristiano Ronaldo really a changed man at this Qatar World Cup?

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Perhaps it was a shrewd tactical move as Portugal boss Fernando Santos benched Ronaldo for the last 16 tie in Qatar after the 37-year-old started all three group games.

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Surprisingly, the decision paid off handsomely as his replacement, Goncalo Ramos, scored a hat-trick in a clinical 6-1 demolition of the Swiss.

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Ronaldo, for the record, came off the bench for Joao Felix in the 73rd minute, with the score at 5-1.

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Alongside a picture of him celebrating Leao’s goal, he wrote on Instagram : “Incredible day for Portugal, with a historic result in the biggest competition in world football.

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Ronaldo is currently without a club after seeing his contract with Manchester United terminated last month.

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