World Cup 2022: Portugal Boss Makes Admission After Dropping Ronaldo

• Portugal head coach Fernando Santos left fans stunned with his decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo during their meeting with Morocco
• Santos named an unchanged team from the one that hammered Switzerland 6-1 in the round of 16 to set up a last-eight clash against Morocco
• However, the tactical move did not pay off as Morocco sunk the Euro 2016 champions 1-0 to advance to the semis

Portugal boss Fernando Santos has made a stunning admission after he dropped Cristiano Ronaldo during their World Cup defeat against Morocco.

Ronaldo started from the bench as Portugal battled the north African giants in an epic quarter-final clash on Saturday, December 10.

Despite their squad depth, Selecao were unable to see off the Atlas Lions as they bowed out of the tournament.

Youssef En-Nesyri was responsible for Portugal's elimination, with his solitary goal in the 42nd minute enough to earn Morocco a historic spot in the semis.

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Santos on dropping Ronaldo

The decision by Santos to drop Ronaldo from the starting XI was the major talking point after their defeat to Morocco.

The experienced tactician named an unchanged team from the team that defeated Switzerland in the round of 16.

With the 2016 Euro champions trailing after the interval, Santos introduced Ronaldo with the hope the veteran forward would bag an equaliser.

However, the tactical move did not pay off as Morocco held firm to their solitary goal to send Portugal packing.

Speaking on his team selection, Santos insisted he has no regrets about dropping Ronaldo for the tie.

"I do not regret (leaving Ronaldo on the bench). It wouldn't change anything, in terms of the team I can't be thinking with my heart," Santos said via The Sun.

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"It's not that Ronaldo is no longer a great player, that has nothing to do with it," he added.

Ronaldo sets record despite elimination

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Cristiano Ronaldo's name is synonymous to records, he sets records almost every game and yesterday was not an exception, as Sports Brief earlier reported.

He played his 196th international game for Portugal, matching Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa which is internationally recognised by FIFA.

With the announcement that he remains committed to Portugal, the record is his to break, the record man thrives on.