FIFA World Cup: Ramos shines as Portugal trounce Switzerland to set up quarter-final clash with Morocco

Cristiano Ronaldo's replacement Goncalo Ramos shined with a hattrick as Portugal trounced Switzerland by 6-1 to set up a FIFA World Cup 2022 quarter-final clash with Morocco at the Lusail Stadium on Wednesday.

The 2016 Euro champions were in fine touch as they beat their opponents in a one-sided encounter, thanks to three goals from Ramos and one each from Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro, and Rafael Leao.

Joao Felix sent the ball to Bruno Fernandes inside the box after three minutes of play, but his first touch was heavy, and Switzerland cleared the threat.

Portugal lost possession just outside of their own penalty area in the eleventh minute, but Xherdan Shaqiri was unable to take advantage in time.

Goncalo Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo's replacement, scored a spectacular goal in his maiden international start for Portugal in the 17th minute to give them the lead.

Despite a tight angle Ramos smashed into the roof of the net just inside the near post.

After Breel Embolo was fouled by Ruben Dias as the Switzerland player attempted to break past the Portuguese defence, Shaqiri scared Portugal. Diogo Costa palmed Shaqiri's excellent free kick behind to give up a corner.

After scoring a strong-headed goal in the 33rd minute, Pepe, a veteran defender, increased Portugal's advantage by leaping higher than anyone else.

Before halftime, Young Ramos had another opportunity to score as he attempted to put the ball into the bottom corner, but Sommer made a superb stop.

With his second goal of the game in the 51st minute, the 21-year-old gave Portugal the upper hand.

Ramos stabbed the ball in from close range after Diogo Dalot sent an excellent low ball from the right side.

Raphael Guerreiro slammed the ball into the roof of the net after Ramos assisted, giving the 2016 European champions their fourth goal.

Three minutes later, Switzerland scored a goal through Manuel Akanji to make a comeback.

Ramos completed his hat trick in the 67th minute as he scored a beauty. He ran into Joao Felix's ball and clipped the ball over him and into the net.

Ronaldo got the chance to fancy his chances with a free-kick in the 77th minute after being substituted in, but he blasted it into the wall.

Later, he put the ball in the net in the 83rd minute, but the referee ruled it to be offside.

Leao raced toward the box, made a cut inside, and curled the ball into the far corner to give Portugal their sixth goal in stoppage time.

Portugal will next take on Morocco, who stunned Spain in their round of 16 clash on Tuesday, in the quarter-final of the FIFA World Cup, at the Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday, December 10.

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