DOHA – Goncalo Ramos justified the shock resolution to drop Cristiano Ronaldo by scoring a hat-trick on his full debut as Portugal demolished Switzerland 6-1 on Tuesday to energy into the World Cup quarter-finals.

The 21-year-old Ramos, who began as an alternative of Ronaldo, turned the youngest participant to strike 3 times in a World Cup knockout match since Pele in 1958.

Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro and Rafael Leao have been additionally on course for a rampant Portugal, who booked a showdown with Morocco on Saturday for a spot within the final 4 in Qatar.

“I think not even in my wildest dreams had I thought about being part of the starting XI for the knockout phase,” mentioned Ramos, who solely made his Portugal debut in a pre-tournament pleasant final month.

Switzerland, who had been hoping to reach a primary quarter-final since internet hosting the 1954 World Cup, exited within the final 16 for the third time in a row.

“Defeat is painful. We are sad about how we played, about the result. We wanted to make our country happy but we didn’t manage to achieve that,” mentioned Switzerland coach Murat Yakin.

Ronaldo, 37 and now and not using a membership after his departure from Manchester United, has hogged the headlines through the match whereas trying a shadow of his former self.

The solely man to rating at 5 World Cups, Ronaldo was omitted by coach Fernando Santos in opposition to the Swiss following his indignant response to being substituted within the final group recreation.

Santos later mentioned the choice to bench the Portugal star had been “strategic and nothing more”, unrelated to his substitution in opposition to South Korea.

“I said that it was closed and it was closed,” Santos mentioned.

It was a daring name to omit a participant with a file 118 worldwide targets in favour of giving a primary begin to Ramos, the Benfica striker who had performed simply 33 minutes throughout three earlier appearances.

INSTANT IMPACT

But it took simply 17 minutes for Ramos to reward Santos’ religion, and to obtain one thing Ronaldo has by no means achieved – rating in a World Cup knockout recreation.

Joao Felix clipped delicately into the ft of Ramos, who shortly swivelled previous Fabian Schaer and rifled into the roof of the web previous a surprised Yann Sommer.

Otavio, who returned to the Portugal midfield after harm of their opening match, shot straight at Sommer earlier than Ramos did likewise moments later.

Xherdan Shaqiri drew a fingertip cease from Diogo Costa with a dipping free-kick from distance, however Portugal quickly had their second.

Bruno Fernandes whipped in a nook and the 39-year-old Pepe towered above the Swiss defence to powerfully head dwelling.

Diogo Dalot hacked Remo Freuler’s header off the road after Diogo Costa failed to correctly cope with a cross, however the Swiss merely had no solutions in opposition to an irresistible Portugal.

Ramos turned in his second from shut vary six minutes into the second half from Dalot’s cross down the best.

He then turned supplier by enjoying in Guerreiro to lash in one other simply 4 minutes later as the Swiss defence was ruthlessly ripped aside.

It was additionally Ramos who inadvertently glanced a nook in direction of Manuel Akanji on the far submit as the Manchester City centre-back pulled one again for Switzerland.

Ramos accomplished his treble after extra excellent work from Felix, nonchalantly dinking over Sommer with one in every of his last touches earlier than making approach for Ronaldo.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s introduction elicited the most important roar of the evening. Ronaldo did have the ball behind the web nevertheless it was dominated out for a transparent offside.

Leao capped off a sensational Portugal efficiency with a terrific curling strike in stoppage time.

DOHA – Substitute Hwang Hee-chan scored the winner in harm time to rescue South Korea from the brink of World Cup elimination in an exciting 2-1 victory over already-qualified Portugal on Friday.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers’ ahead slipped within the winner within the 91st minute at Education City Stadium in Qatar to spark delirium and tears among the many Korean followers.

Talisman Son Heung-min, who arrange the winner, collapsed to the ground and lay on his again on the turf on the closing whistle. He had tears in his eyes.

The Korean gamers then stood in a huddle on the pitch watching the Ghana vs Uruguay match on a cell phone as they awaited their place within the last 16 to be confirmed.

A much-changed Portugal had taken a fifth-minute lead by means of Ricardo Horta however the Koreans, who had to win to stand any probability of staying alive, hit again within the twenty seventh minute by means of Kim Young-gwon.

Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo performed a component within the Korean equaliser, turning his again on a nook and the ball hitting him to arrange Kim.

South Korea and their skipper Son, in a masks after current surgical procedure, wanted to score once more however they failed to actually hassle Portugal till Son arrange Hwang in harm time after a fantastic run.

Before a ball was even kicked a roar went up at Education City Stadium each time Ronaldo’s face popped up on the massive display, even in the course of the nationwide anthems. There have been some jeers too and chants of “Messi, Messi”.

South Korea coach Paulo Bento, the previous (*16*) worldwide, had to watch from the stands after he was despatched off following the ultimate whistle of the Koreans’ 3-2 defeat to Ghana.

He noticed his males fall behind after simply 5 minutes when defender Pepe performed the ball down the precise to Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot.

Dalot simply evaded a weak Korean problem and pulled the ball again from the byline for winger Horta to fireplace unmarked into the again of the web in entrance of a 44,000 crowd.

With qualification already safe, Portugal made six modifications from the group that beat Uruguay 2-0, Dalot and Horta amongst these purchased in.

But they nonetheless seemed harmful each time they went ahead within the first half in opposition to a Korean defence lacking Napoli’s Kim Min-jae.

South Korean skipper Son, the Spurs ahead, was but to get going at this World Cup after surgical procedure for a fracture round his left eye in the beginning of November.

Wearing a black masks to shield the wound, the 30-year-old confirmed glimpses of his good greatest as South Korea chased the win they so badly wanted.

South Korea have been threatening to get on high and within the twenty seventh minute they have been degree.

The 37-year-old Ronaldo, absolutely taking part in at his last World Cup, unwittingly performed a central position within the South Korean aim.

Currently with no membership after his bitter departure from Manchester United, the ahead turned his again on a Korean nook and the ball hit his shoulder and fell straight to defender Kim to flip in.

The second half was extra of the identical – Portugal having fun with extra possession and stroking the ball round however South Korea and an more and more influential Son a menace on the break.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos introduced Ronaldo off on 65 minutes to save his legs, then attacker Hwang got here on and proved to be the hero on the loss of life.

DOHA – The 2022 World Cup will get underway on Sunday in Qatar, with France hoping to develop into the first group to efficiently defend the title since Brazil 60 years in the past.

AFP Sport takes a glance at six of the world’s finest players who might be competing in the event:

Lionel Messi (ARG)

Arguably the best participant of all time, Messi has but to emulate previous legends Pele and Diego Maradona by successful soccer’s largest prize. He did lastly win a significant worldwide event with Argentina when he was the driving pressure behind their Copa America triumph final yr. The 35-year-old has mentioned this can “very likely” be his final World Cup and might be determined to go one higher than 2014, when Argentina misplaced the ultimate to Germany in further time. Lionel Scaloni’s facet have excessive hopes of successful a 3rd world title, heading into the event on a 36-match unbeaten run. Messi scored his 91st worldwide aim in a 5-0 pleasant win over the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo (POR)

Messi’s long-time rival for the standing of world’s finest participant, Ronaldo may even certainly be showing at a World Cup for the ultimate time, aged 37. International soccer’s all-time file scorer lately netted the 700th membership aim of his profession. Ronaldo gained an emotional title at Euro 2016 with Portugal however their finest effort with him on a world stage stays a semi-final exit in 2006. He might be anticipating to rating in a record-breaking fifth straight World Cup, surpassing Pele, Miroslav Klose and Uwe Seeler. Ronaldo could have to put a tough begin to the season with Manchester United behind him, having struggled for kind earlier than accusing the membership of “betraying” him.

Kylian Mbappe (FRA)

His France teammate Karim Benzema is the present Ballon d’Or holder however the world champions’ most essential participant stays Mbappe, greater than 4 years since he starred at the 2018 World Cup. The Paris Saint-Germain ahead turned the first teenager to rating in a World Cup ultimate since Pele together with his strike in France’s 4-2 victory over Croatia. Mbappe, now 23, has denied experiences he’s making an attempt to go away PSG mid-season simply months after signing a profitable new contract. After successful the finest younger participant trophy in Russia, he could have his eyes set on the senior prize this time round.

Neymar (Brazil)

Brazil head into the event as favourites to win a record-extending sixth World Cup. The sturdy type of Neymar this season for PSG might be a giant plus level for coach Tite after a tough spell for the 30-year-old. Neymar heads to Qatar simply two objectives wanting equalling Pele’s all-time Brazil scoring file, albeit having already performed 29 extra matches. The Selecao have been crushed by Belgium in the quarter-finals 4 years in the past, leaving Neymar nonetheless ready to make up for 2014, when he missed the humiliating 7-1 semifinal thrashing by Germany on dwelling soil by way of harm.

Edouard Mendy (Senegal)

The Chelsea goalkeeper misplaced his place as first-choice goalkeeper underneath Graham Potter this season after a string of expensive errors however might be essential to Senegal’s hopes of turning into the first African World Cup semi-finalists. Mendy, a Champions League winner in 2021, saved a penalty as Senegal beat Egypt in a shootout in the Africa Cup of Nations ultimate earlier this yr. The 30-year-old did begin Chelsea’s final two Premier League video games earlier than this event after an harm to Kepa Arrizabalaga. Shorn of star ahead Sadio Mane due to harm, Senegal might be determined for Mendy to rediscover the kind that noticed him named FIFA’s 2021 goalkeeper of the yr at the different finish of the pitch.

Son Heung-min (South Korea)

The Tottenham ahead is undoubtedly Asian soccer’s largest star and he might be carrying South Korea’s hopes in a tight-looking Group H if he can get better from a fractured eye socket. Son shared the Premier League Golden Boot final season with Liverpool’s Salah, regardless of not taking penalties for Spurs. He has netted 35 occasions in 104 internationals, together with the second aim of the Koreans’ beautiful 2018 win over Germany which dumped the reigning champions out in the group stage.

DOHA – World Cup chiefs on Friday banned beer sales round stadiums in a surprising U-turn simply two days earlier than kickoff as Cristiano Ronaldo ready to jet in to Qatar.

Alcohol is essentially prohibited in the Islamic nation however the organisers sparked anger from followers with their dramatic choice.

Football’s world governing physique Fifa mentioned beer wouldn’t be offered to followers round any of the eight World Cup stadiums following discussions with the hosts.

“A decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the Fifa Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s Fifa World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters,” Fifa mentioned in a press release.

Dozens of Budweiser beer tents had already been arrange at grounds forward of the primary sport on Sunday between Qatar and Ecuador.

The host nation has predicted that a couple of million followers will go to the nation for the 29-day event and Fifa has had a longstanding sponsorship cope with Budweiser, which is owned by drinks large AB InBev.

Beer will stay obtainable in VIP suites in stadiums, in some fan zones and in some lodge and restaurant bars.

The Football Supporters’ Association, which represents followers from England and Wales, criticised the transfer, saying it was symptomatic of a “total lack of communication” with supporters from the organisers.

“If they can change their minds on this at a moment’s notice, with no explanation, supporters will have understandable concerns about whether they will fulfil other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues,” it mentioned in a press release.

RONALDO ARRIVES

Ronaldo is about to turn out to be the most recent world celebrity to land in Qatar after his explosive tirade towards his membership Manchester United.

The Portugal ahead, who has dominated world soccer for the previous 15 years alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi, shall be taking part in in his fifth and sure last World Cup.

The 37-year-old, who has a world-record 117 worldwide targets, is aiming to turn out to be the primary man to attain in 5 World Cups.

But his arrival in Doha shall be overshadowed by an astonishing outburst towards United, in which he mentioned he felt “betrayed” by the membership and had no respect for supervisor Erik ten Hag.

The ahead, who has greater than 800 targets for membership and nation, seems headed for the Old Trafford exit door however shall be determined to indicate potential suitors he can nonetheless ship on the most important stage.

Earlier this week he pledged “total and absolute focus on the work of the national team” together with a photograph of himself and a few of his worldwide team-mates on social media.

Manchester United issued a recent assertion on Friday, saying the membership had “initiated appropriate steps in response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent media interview”.

“We will not be making further comment until this process reaches its conclusion,” the membership added.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner missed Portugal’s 4-0 demolition of Nigeria in a pleasant on Thursday with sickness however will hope to be match for his or her opening match towards Ghana in Qatar on 24 November.

The Euro 2016 champions can even face Uruguay and South Korea in Qatar.

Messi, 35, can also be doubtless that includes at his last World Cup, as the curtain begins to return down on an period of astonishing dominance from the 2 gamers.

Belgium, second in the world rankings, are additionally as a result of arrive in Doha late on Friday, with five-time champions Brazil anticipated on Saturday.

Defending champions France are sweating on the health of ahead Karim Benzema and defender Raphael Varane forward of their opening sport on Tuesday.

Real Madrid’s Benzema has been fighting a thigh downside whereas Manchester United defender Varane is recovering from a leg harm.

“Karim and Raphael are doing really well,” teammate Adrien Rabiot mentioned on Friday. “They trained apart because that was the protocol that was in place for them.

“They are good and are actually eager to play, however I do not know if they are going to be concerned in the primary match.”

OEIRAS, PORTUGAL – Cristiano Ronaldo will lead Portugal into the World Cup after Fernando Santos named the veteran ahead in his 26-man squad on Thursday.

The Manchester United striker, 37, has not been first alternative for his membership this season however might be a part of his nation’s bid to win the event for the first time of their historical past.

Ronaldo, the captain and all-time main scorer in males’s worldwide soccer with 117 targets, has loads of youthful team-mates in assist in assault, together with Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.

“All the players I have called up come with the hunger to win and make Portugal world champions, Ronaldo included,” mentioned Santos.

Ronaldo will go to his fifth World Cup, having performed for his nation in each version of the event from 2006 onwards.

The coach, who led Portugal to Euro 2016 glory in France, left Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Renato Sanches out of the squad, bringing Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes as a substitute.

“What is most important are the players who will go to the World Cup,” mentioned Santos, refusing to debate gamers who did not make the reduce.

“The 26 (selected) think that justice has been done, and those who don’t go, the opposite.”

Santos referred to as up uncapped Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva, 19, in addition to 39-year-old Pepe.

The Porto defender has not performed since October 4 due to a knee sprain however might be match for the event in Qatar, which begins on November 20.

“I asked my medical department if there were any unfit players, the answer was no,” mentioned Santos when requested about Pepe.

Liverpool striker Diogo Jota misses out due to a calf harm.

Wolves midfielder Joao Moutinho, 36, who has appeared for his nation 146 occasions, greater than every other participant other than Ronaldo, was not included, and nor was his team-mate Goncalo Guedes.

Portugal open their World Cup marketing campaign in Group H in opposition to Ghana on November 24, earlier than going through Uruguay on November 28 and South Korea on December 2.

Santos was important of the timing of the event, the first ever winter World Cup, however was glad in regards to the lack of journey concerned on the event, with all of the stadiums comparatively shut collectively.

“It’s not good for clubs, it’s not good for anyone,” mentioned Santos.

“The exception is that it’s good for travel. I’ve participated in several World Cups and travelling between games was difficult.

“In this side, there’s a bonus. No stadium is greater than 25 minutes away. We do not need to stroll round carrying every part. It will not put on us down, the sport ends and we return to the resort.”

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Patricio (Roma/ITA), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton/ENG)

Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United/ENG), Joao Cancelo (Manchester City/ENG), Danilo Pereira (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Pepe (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City/ENG), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund/GER)

Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton/ENG), Joao Palhinha (Fulham/ENG), William Carvalho (Real Betis/ESP), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/ENG), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Otavio (Porto), Joao Mario (Benfica), Matheus Nunes (Wolverhampton/ENG), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/ENG)

Forwards: Rafael Leao (AC Milan/ITA), Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Ricardo Horta (Braga), Goncalo Ramos (Benfica), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United/ENG), Andre Silva (RB Leipzig/GER)

PARIS – The first World Cup ever to be held within the Middle East will likely be in contrast to any that has come earlier than, however there should still be a acquainted identify on the trophy with Brazil heading to Qatar as the favourites to succeed France and finish twenty years of European dominance.

For the final decade, most mentions of Qatar and the World Cup have centered on the controversial resolution to give the tiny Gulf state the match as effectively as criticism of its human rights file.

There has due to this fact been little consideration paid to what may occur on the pitch between the opening sport on 20 November and the ultimate, on the 80,000-capacity Lusail Iconic Stadium on 18 December.

Indeed, there was little time to even take into consideration the soccer.

The membership season in Europe – the place the richest groups hoard the world’s finest gamers and from the place the vast majority of these collaborating in Qatar will come – will solely halt a week earlier than the opening sport of this World Cup between the hosts and Ecuador.

The twenty second version of the lads’s World Cup is not only the primary within the Arab world.

It can be first to be held on the finish of the calendar 12 months – each earlier version, proper again to 1930, has been staged between May and July, within the northern hemisphere summer time.

The searing desert warmth in Qatar at the moment of the 12 months made that an impossibility in 2022.

Nevertheless, adjusting soccer’s conventional calendar has been a problem, and nationwide groups have subsequent to no time to put together.

INJURIES TAKE THEIR TOLL

There will likely be hardly any pre-tournament pleasant matches. Many gamers will take part in matches with their golf equipment, jet off to be a part of their nation after which be thrown into the deep finish of a World Cup sport simply a few days later – supplied they don’t decide up an damage beforehand.

In these circumstances, maybe there’s not a lot to study from previous World Cups.

However, it stays notable that solely as soon as (Brazil in 1958) has a non-European staff gained a World Cup performed in Europe, in 11 editions.

In distinction, of the ten performed outdoors Europe, solely twice has a European staff gained the trophy, albeit these had been the final two: Spain in South Africa in 2010, and Germany in Brazil in 2014.

Europe is the worldwide powerhouse of the world’s hottest sport, and has produced each World Cup winner since Brazil in 2002.

France go to Qatar as the holders after triumphing in Russia in 2018, but Les Bleus have issues and hanging over them is the spectre of 2002, once they went to South Korea as holders and reigning European champions, solely to crash out within the group stage with out scoring a purpose.

In Kylian Mbappe they’ve one of the crucial electrifying attacking gamers on the planet, and Karim Benzema is contemporary from profitable the Ballon d’Or.

But no staff has retained the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, and accidents are a downside for French coach Didier Deschamps, who can have to do with out key midfield duo N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba.

There are query marks about Europe’s other conventional powerhouses, with Italy failing to qualify regardless of profitable Euro 2020.

MESSI’S LAST CHANCE?

There are points over kind and health for England and Germany, whereas it stays to be seen if Spain have the defence or the assault to be critical contenders.

Cristiano Ronaldo will likely be there with Portugal, however on the age of 37 some surprise if he may be extra of a hindrance to his staff than the rest.

With a formidable squad past the aptitude of Neymar, five-time world champions Brazil due to this fact stand out, whereas their previous rivals Argentina additionally go to Qatar in wonderful form.

“Argentina and Brazil look far superior to everyone else,” stated Spain coach Luis Enrique not too long ago.

Argentina have been on a 35-game unbeaten run and will likely be on a collision course to meet Brazil within the semi-finals ought to each side prime their group.

At 35, it’s now or by no means for Lionel Messi if he’s to win the best trophy of all of them.

“I am just lucky to be able to go to this World Cup given I am 35 now,” stated the Paris Saint-Germain famous person, who has been in excellent kind for his membership.

“I am in good shape physically, better than last year,” he added in a latest interview with Argentina channel DirecTV Sports.

“But Brazil and France are the big favourites.”