Hat-trick by Ramos Led Portugal to Quarter Finals with a 6-1 Win Over Switzerland

The “Round of 16” came to a close with Portugal knocking out Switzerland with a massive blow of 6-1. The match also saw the FIFA World Cup 2022’s first hat trick, coming from young Goncalo Ramos. The 21-year-old striker gave Portugal the opening lead and carried it throughout the match at the Lusail Stadium.

It was a brave decision on the part of Fernando Santos, Portugal's coach, to take Ramos as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, their record goal-scorer. With this victory, Portugal sealed a spot in the quarterfinal match against Morocco who is appearing for the first time in the last eight after 2006.

Ramos had its first world cup start in FIFA World Cup 2022. He proved his worth in the 17th minute with a scintillating strike. Ramos picked up an incisive pass from Joao Felix and blasted it into the top corner from a tight angle. And there it was! Ramos earned Portugal its lead in the match.

Next, the senior skipper Pepe came to double the lead with a perfectly timed leap. He rose above two centre-backs of Switzerland and scored with a powerful header in the 33rd minute from Bruno Fernandes's corner. However, the Swiss keeper Sommer defended an attempt from Ramos with a fingertip just before halftime.

The second half began and six minutes later, Diogo Dalot sent a cross that left Sommer helpless. Ramos was in the right position, again, and gave Portugal its third lead by slipping the ball between his legs.

The Portugal team went confident and craved open the Swiss defence with a flowing counterattack. In the 55th minute, Raphael Guerreiro was in an open space and scored another goal to take Portugal to a 4-0 lead.

Switzerland softened the blow just before the hour mark with a goal by Manuel Akanji who went in unmarked and slipped a shot from the corner. Portugal responded with another roaring goal from Ramos in the 67th minute. Felix took a shot and it seemed like he lost the ball but Ramos chipped it to mark his hat trick.

Then, Rafael Leo came in as a substitute. His curling effort added another goal to Portugal’s score.