Cristiano Ronaldo hailed Portugal’s “talent and youth” following their huge 6-1 win over Switzerland.
The 37-year-old was dropped for the last-16 game after reacting angrily to being substituted during the Selecao’s final group stage game, a loss to South Korea.
Ronaldo’s replacement, the 21-year-old Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos, scored a stunning hat-trick on his tournament debut as Portugal made a statement heading into the final eight.
Such is the array of talent manager Fernando Santos has on offer, Ronaldo could struggle to start against Morocco on Saturday.
Ramos, Joao Felix, Bruno Fernandes and Rafael Leao all impressed, while Ronaldo has only scored once in Qatar.
The media circus surrounding Ronaldo, who also moved to deny suggestions he was close to a money-spinning move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, refuses to go away and cameras often panned to him sat on the bench while Ramos enjoyed what is surely the best night of his career.
While Santos did bring Ronaldo on, it could well be the end of an era for Portuguese football.
Ronaldo, however, moved to pay tribute to his teammates on Instagram.
“Amazing day for Portugal, with a historic result in the biggest contest in world soccer,” he wrote.
“Luxury exhibition by a team full of talent and youth. Congratulations to our national team. The dream is alive! To the very end! Come on, Portugal!”
