Cristiano Ronaldo praised his Portugal teammates' performance after Switzerland were hammered 6-1 in the last 16 of the World Cup.
Former Manchester United man Ronaldo is the captain of his country and started every group game as they finished top of Group H. Portugal did labour at points, though, as they only scraped past Ghana with a 3-2 win before losing to South Korea in their final match.
Ronaldo managed only one goal, a penalty in the opening game, but it still came as a surprise to many that he was axed for the game against Switzerland.
Young Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos replaced him and the manager's decision was immediately vindicated as a much more exciting and dynamic Portugal tore the Swiss to shreds. Ramos opened the scoring and went on to bag the first hat-trick of the tournament in a 6-1 win.
Ronaldo didn't react well to losing his spot in the side at Old Trafford this season and criticised managed Erik ten Hag in an interview with Piers Morgan, saying he did not respect the Dutchman. That directly led to his contract being terminated by mutual consent.
However, the 37-year-old has been much more diplomatic in his reaction to Portugal's win. He wrote on Instagram: "Incredible day for Portugal, with a historic result in the biggest competition in world football. Luxury exhibition of a team full of talent and youth. Our Selection is to be congratulated. The dream is alive! Until the end! Strength, Portugal! "
Ronaldo came on for the last 15 minutes and saw a goal ruled out for offside. Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro and Rafael Leao were also on the score sheet as Portgual set up a quarter-final clash with Morocco.
KabuEric
683
Ronaldo is almost 38yrs, he will soon hang his amazing boots, he knows it but he just wants to make most of his little time left and that makes him react in a certain way most people criticize him. Some reasonable people understand this but unfortunately many insult him blindly for living his life, a life that belongs to him and his family. My advice is before you criticize or insult him ask yourself if your life is worth more than his.
KabuEric
363
Sitting in your room and criticizing someone for everything he does is very easy but before you do know that it's his life not yours. Nobody knows you guys criticizing him but everybody knows his life so it becomes so easy for you.
santucr7
266
I am going to uninstall this nonsence app. They Always show hate for cristiano
Smartyboy
193
Please win it for my goat I will deactivate my Twitter live happily Please do it for my goat π Cristiano Ronaldo β£
Kedabeksty
131
we love you Ronaldo.but talk to ur sister.she most learn how football and teams works.she is not a footballer.she most stop not to push his brother to act like he is forever.
futintuy
100
He loves his country this lad and it made more sense to have a younger and more energetic player in his place
Yihdelmstu
85
come back Cristiano Ronaldo
Sssmansy
67
Imagine that was Ronaldo standing alone while team celebrating the media would have buried him alive πππΆπ
Fewbclpsty
9
I am going to uninstall this nonsence app. They Always show hate for cristiano
Why telling...please delete quietly n free some space in your phone...π as for us we are enjoying the app very well...π π π
Nuncopr
8
Sitting in your room and criticizing someone for everything he does is very easy but before you do know that it's his life not yours. Nobody knows you guys criticizing him but everybody knows his life so it becomes so easy for you.
Ronaldo fans have suddenly become motivational speakers [Crylaugh][Crylaugh]