Goncalo Ramos, the three-goal hero for Portugal in Tuesday’s 6-1 victory against Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 in Qatar, has listed his football inspirations.
Instead of more experienced forwards, Ramos served as Portugal’s point-man, while Ronaldo was suddenly benched.
Ramos, 21, honoured manager Fernando Santos’ belief in him by scoring a hat-trick.
The Benfica striker made an immediate impact in his very first start for his nation, becoming the first person to ever score a hat-trick in Qatar.
“He [Ronaldo] is my reference and an idol to many of us. Cristiano Ronaldo, [Robert] Lewandowski, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic – those players are my role models,” he told reporters after the game.
This weekend’s quarterfinal World Cup match between Portugal and Morocco will feature Ronaldo, who will be eager to get back into the starting lineup.
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