A superb Gonçalo Ramos hat-trick against Switzerland saw Portugal pick up a dominating 5-1 win and reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup.
Joao Felix shines
With Cristiano Ronaldo out, Portugal are much more free-flowing and controlled in their approach. This allowed for Joao Felix to put in a superb performance, with there being technical outlets and options around him. The Atletico Madrid man didn’t score, but he did assist twice and his movement and passing around the final third made Portugal look like a truly scary side.
Portugal shine without Cancelo
While playing well and dominating without Ronaldo isn’t a surprise anymore unless someone is living under a rock, but the fact that Portugal put in a very good performance in the absence of Joao Cancelo says a lot. Diogo Dalot got an assist for himself, whereas Raphael Guerreiro scored one goal. It is perhaps a reflection of the fact that Portugal have loads of options in the side.
Ramos’ crowning moment
It was fitting that the game in which Ronaldo was benched, Ramos stepped up and stole global spotlight by grabbing a sensational hat-trick. His movement across the frontline, one-touch lay offs and hold-ups show what a striker he can become and it could be a watershed moment in Portuguese football history.
FLOPS
Switzerland defend poorly again
Switzerland had started their World Cup campaign in a decent manner defensively, as they relied on the physicality of their midfield players to cut off opposition supply lines. But they were quite poor today, as Portugal rolled them over with their movement between the lines and technical ability in the tight spaces.
Switzerland yet to win a knockout game since 1938
Switzerland aren’t a football powerhouse by any means but today was a chance for them to win their first World Cup knockout game since 1938. They will have to try again in 2026.
GWFN
