World Cup: Cristano's Sister Criticises Portugal Boss for Leaving Superstar on The Bench

• Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister accused Portugal coach Fernando Santos of humiliating the star
• The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was benched for his nation's World Cup Round of 16 game
• This was the first time Ronaldo had come off the bench in a major tournament since 2004

Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister Elma Aveiro did not hold back in her criticism of Portugal manager Fernando Santos, for benching the superstar in the Selecao’s win over Switzerland.

Elma has been a fierce defender for her brother, and has developed a reputation for always opposing anything or anyone who seems to be against the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

During Portugal’s group game defeat to South Korea on Friday, the star performed an interesting gesture as he was being taken off, something that did not please his manager.

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The decision to leave Ronaldo on the bench ended up working well for the Europeans, who thumped Switzerland 6-1 to set up a quarter-final clash with Morocco.

Ronaldo’s replacement Goncalo Ramos, who plays for Benfica, showed why he should be starting more games as he netted a stunning hat-trick in that game.

Among the people who were extremely surprised by the veteran striker's omission from the squad was Aveiro, who took to social media to express her bemusement and likely irritation.

She shared an image on Instagram along with the caption translated as follows:

"You stayed on the bench and how good, you stayed resting. Letting others play is also part, and getting tired for what?"

While Aveiro ceded that Portugal was a team and not just Ronaldo, she added that her brother would never be forgotten for all he had done and would still do.

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"Proud of you my brother for all that you are and represent in the world. Keep being you and the others are the others."

After the emphatic win, Aveiro was at it again on her Instagram stories, with a scathing message apparently aimed at the Portugal coach.

“We talked about what we heard, all that he did isn’t important, all that he did was forgotten.”

Aveiro hinted at 'remembering what had happened' and speaking about it later, and seemed to comment that Santos was above apologies.

“It is a shame to humiliate a man who has given so much, but later I will see a lot more.”

Georgina Rodriguez also slams Santos

Sports Brief also reported on Georgina Rodriguez’s responding to Ronaldo's benching, with the Spanish model clearly not pleased.

The 28-year-old commented on coach Santos starting her lover from the bench, labelling the decision as 'shameful' according to a post on Instagram which was translated.

"Congratulations, Portugal. While the 11 players sang the anthem, all eyes were on you. What a shame not to have been able to enjoy the best player in the world for 90 minutes."