Ronaldo starts on bench for Portugal against Switzerland

Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped to the bench for Portugal's World Cup round of 16 clash against Switzerland here on Tuesday, reported Xinhua.

Portugal manager Fernando Santos opted to start the match at Lusail stadium in Qatar with Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos and Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix in attack.

On Monday, Santos told reporters that he was unhappy with Ronaldo's attitude after he was substituted off in the team's 2-1 loss to South Korea in their final group match last Friday (Dec. 2).

The 37-year-old was heard shouting obscenities toward the Portugal bench as he was replaced by Andre Silva in the 65th-minute of the duel at Education City Stadium.

Ronaldo explained after the game that his outburst was directed at a South Korea player who had told him to leave the pitch quickly.

After scoring a penalty Portugal's World Cup opener against Ghana, Ronaldo drew blanks in his team's final two group-stage games against Uruguay and South Korea.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is currently without a club after leaving Manchester United by mutual consent last month.

Ronaldo, however, entered the ground in late second half and played until end of the match.

Ronaldo drew loud cheers from the near-capacity crowd when he replaced Felix in the 73rd minute.