Portugal have been eliminated from the 2022 World Cup by Morocco, but coach Fernando Santos insists he has ‘no regrets’ at benching Rafael Leao and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The quarter-final was decided 1-0 by a towering Youssef En-Nesyri header just before half-time and another magnificent performance in midfield from Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.
Santos was criticised for waiting until the 51st minute to introduce Cristiano Ronaldo and the 69th minute before unleashing Milan winger Rafael Leao, but he stood by his decisions.
“I have no regrets about my decisions,” insisted the coach in a press conference.
Ronaldo was spotted leaving the field immediately after the final whistle in floods of tears, alone.
“Cristiano was sad, the team has always been very united. I don’t regret my decisions, I chose the team that was most balanced and we mostly controlled the game.”