2022 FIFA World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo benched for the first for Portugal in 12 years!

For the first time in 12 years, Cristiano Ronaldo did not start a match for Portugal after coach Fernando Santos left his skipper and all-time top scorer on the bench for their World Cup last-16 clash against Switzerland.

The former Manchester United forward has thus not started a game for Portugal at a major tournament for the first time since 2008 (also against Switzerland), ending a 31-game streak.

Ronaldo, the first player to score in five World Cups, has only one goal in Qatar which came in Portugal’s group opener against Ghana.

According to reports, Ronaldo appeared to challenge Santos over the decision to substitute him in their loss to South Korea but the 37-year-old, a free agent after leaving Manchester United, denied that was the case.