In the Portuguese soccer feast, the Swiss team failed to fend off their opponents, and Cristiano Ronaldo became the center of attention even though he left the game as a substitute at the crucial moment. Rumor has it that manager Ferrando Santos has a strained relationship with Cron, but Santos laughed it off in the post-match interview, saying bluntly, "Cron and I have been close friends for many years, and there are some decisions that won't shake our friendship."
Cron was not included in the starting lineup for this match, and speculation was rife before the match. Santos clarified that this arrangement has nothing to do with Cron's adjustments against South Korea and is purely a tactical arrangement. Faced with continuous questions from reporters, Santos was slightly impatient and asked rhetorically, "Haven't I already explained these questions? We have been close friends for many years, some decisions will not affect our relationship, and things will always come to an end."
Portugal thrashed Switzerland 6-1 to record the biggest point difference in the knockout stages of the World Cup. On the victory, Santos said it was successful but not perfect. 21 year old Drykaru Ramos replaced Cron in the starting lineup and scored a hat-trick. The media naturally compared the two, but Santos said bluntly, "Cron as a substitute was part of the game strategy, they are different types of players; there is no need to question the choice of the national team captain, Cron and I have been close friends for many years and he has always set an example for the captain."
Portugal will face Morocco in the last eight. The two teams had met in the last group stage, with Portugal winning 1-0. Faced with the news that Morocco eliminated Spain, Santos believes that it is not a cold one and Portugal will be well prepared.
