“I didn’t like it,” Portugal coach criticizes Cristiano Ronaldo’s action in defeat against South Korea at 2022 FIFA World Cup


“I didn’t like it,” Portugal coach criticizes Cristiano Ronaldo’s action in defeat against South Korea at 2022 FIFA World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo may not play in Portugal’s round of 16 encounter because of coach Fernando Santos’ displeasure with how he reacted after being replaced during their 2-1 loss to South Korea. In the 65th minute of Friday’s last group stage game, Ronaldo was taken off and replaced by Andre Silva; the 37-year-old forward later denied cursing at Santos for doing so.

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Portugal captain Ronaldo said that he was actually addressing a South Korean player who was urging him to leave the field quickly. Santos wasn’t happy with Ronaldo’s response, but he insisted that the matter had been settled before Portugal’s match against Switzerland on Tuesday.

“Let’s split this answer in two,” Santos said at his press conference on Monday. “Right after the match, I spoke in the flash interview, and then went to the press conference, and there I said something I’ll repeat here: on the pitch, I didn’t hear anything. I was too far [away], and this is why I only saw him arguing with a South Korean player, and nothing else.”

“Have I already watched the footage? Yes. I didn’t like it. Didn’t like it at all. From there, it’s things you sort out internally. It was sorted out this way, and now we think about the game tomorrow. Everyone is focused on the game,” he added. Santos was asked whether Ronaldo would start against Switzerland after the incident, Santos responded: “I only tell the team who will play in the dressing room. When we’re in the stadium they find out about the team. And they know that. It’s been like this since I arrived.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo later clarified what exactly happened in Portugal’s clash against South Korea at 2022 FIFA World Cup

Portugal's Cristiano Roanldo & Fernando Santos

Prior to their third group stage encounter against South Korea, Portugal had already advanced to the knockout stages, and the scores were locked at 1-1 when Ronaldo was substituted. According to Portuguese media, the former Juventus, Real Madrid, and Manchester United forward insulted Santos as he departed the field. Ronaldo was reported to have reacted by saying: “He’s in a rush to sub me.”

Later, Ronaldo clarified his statement: “What happened was before my substitution, the South Korea player told me to get off quickly. I told him to shut up as he doesn’t have that authority. There was no disagreement [with Santos].”

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