The 21-year-old striker was handed a surprise start ahead of five-times Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo and rewarded coach Fernando Santos with a brilliant match-winning display.
“But we have to think game by game and prepare for the game (quarter-final with Morocco). This result doesn’t matter now. We’re going to go all out in the next game.”
Ramos was only two years old when Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal and has often spoken of his admiration for the 37-year-old.
“Honestly no one in the team talked about it.
“Cristiano Ronaldo has always been a role model, he is an idol for many. I also like (Robert) Lewandowski and (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic,” he added.
Born in Algarve, the forward has burst onto the scene with Benfica this season after being given an enhanced role as the central striker following the sale of Darwin Nunez to Liverpool. He has scored 14 goals in 21 games in all competitions, quickly adjusting to his new role.
It’s clear that with his departure a space opened up for me. It’s great to now have the role that I love the most,” he said in a recent interview.
Read more: https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2022/portugal-hero-goncalo-ramos-never-dreamt-of-world-cup-hat-trick-3584722
