Fernando Santos explains why Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped after Portugal’s World Cup exit | Football

Portugal were favourites to progress to the World Cup semi final but Morocco, who knocked out Spain in the last 16, pulled off another upset in Qatar as Youssef En-Nesyri capitalised on Diogo Costa’s mistake in the first half to seal a 1-0 win for the African nation.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, started on Portugal’s bench for the second game in a row after he was dropped for Portugal’s 6-1 victory over Switzerland in the last 16.

The 37-year-old was brought on in the 51st minute as Portugal pushed for an equaliser but ended up leaving the pitch in tears after his side were eliminated from the tournament.

When asked about the decision to bench Ronaldo for the quarter final, Santos said after the defeat: ‘It had no impact on the team’s production.

Santos, who guided Portugal to victory at Euro 2016, also said he is ‘devastated’ following his side’s World Cup exit.

‘The dressing room is destroyed, naturally desolate,’ Santos said.

‘A thank you to the Portuguese and the support that came to us from Portugal. We were convinced, due to the hard work, joy, motivation and quality, that we could reach the final and bring great joy to the Portuguese people. That’s what we wanted.

‘Me and the whole backroom team are devastated and frustrated for not having achieved this.’

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