Cristiano Ronaldo DROPPED from Portugal starting XI to play Switzerland

Cristiano Ronaldo has been DROPPED from Portugal's starting XI to face Switzerland in their World Cup last 16 clash.

Ronaldo has started each of his side's three group stage games, but will have to contend for a place on the bench for tonight's fixture.

The 37-year-old angered Portugal boss Fernando Santos following his reaction to being taken off in their defeat to South Korea.

Santos said he wasn't happy with his captain during his pre-match press conference.

"Have I seen the images? Yes, I didn’t like it, not at all. I didn’t like it," he said.

"I really didn’t like it. But from that moment onwards everything is finished regarding that issue.

"These matters are resolved behind closed doors. It’s resolved. Full stop on this matter and now everyone is focused on tomorrow’s match."

Santos added: "I only decide who is going to be captain when I reach the stadium.

"I still don’t know what the lineup will be. That’s what I’ve always done and that’s what I’m always going to do and it’s going to be the same tomorrow.

"The other topic is solved. We have fixed that in-house and that’s it."

Cristiano Ronaldo cuts a frustrated figure during Portugal vs. South Korea. Image: Alamy

Ronaldo has just one goal to his name at the World Cup so far, scoring a penalty in his side's win over Ghana.

He'll start from the bench as Santos has opted for Benfica's Goncalo Ramos up front.

In Ronaldo's absence, veteran defender Pepe will captain the team.

Topics: Football, Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Football World Cup

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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