Cristiano Ronaldo is DROPPED for Portugal vs Switzerland after angering manager

Cristiano Ronaldo has been dropped from Portugal’s starting lineup for their last-16 clash against Switzerland tonight, after leaving coach Fernando Santos enraged when he was substituted against South Korea. 

The 37-year-old, who has scored one goal in the tournament so far, being a penalty in Portugal’s opener against Ghana, was visibly unhappy after being taken off after 65 minutes in last week’s 2-1 defeat. 

Santos on Monday admitted he was not happy with Ronaldo’s reaction, but insisted the matter had been resolved. He did stop short of confirming the forward would start from the off, however.  

Portugal coach Fernando Santos (left) was unimpressed by Ronaldo’s reaction to being substituted during their defeat to South Korea last week

Ronaldo has paid the price for his reaction and has been named on the bench, with Goncalo Ramos replacing him up front.

Portugal are looking to win the World Cup for the first time in their history, in what will likely be the last time Ronaldo features in the competition. The forward has scored in five consecutive World Cups. 

Yet, even despite his goalscoring prowess, the clubless attacker is now proving a divisive member of the squad among the Portuguese fanbase. 

The forward has been left on the bench after having a public strop as he was substituted off last Friday

Portuguese newspaper A Bola last week published a poll asking their readers whether Ronaldo should start against Switzerland. And, perhaps remarkably, an overwhelming 70 per cent said no. 

Though perhaps slightly questionable, he was also named by Sofascore among the worst XI from the group stage of the World Cup on Saturday. 

Santos has now made a huge call to leave Ronaldo out of his line-up for Portugal’s first knockout game in Qatar.