Despite Portugal losing to Morocco in the World Cup semifinals, head coach Fernando Santos admitted he has no remorse about benching Cristiano Ronaldo.
At Al Thumama Stadium, striker Youssef En-Nesyri scored the game-winning goal in the first half by leaping highest and outjumping goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the ball.
Cristiano Ronaldo climbed off the bench in the 50th minute to equal the men’s all-time appearance record of 196 in international matches, but he could not find the equaliser as their last-four hopes were dashed.
“I don’t think so, no regrets,” Santos said. “I think this was a team which played very well against Switzerland. Cristiano Ronaldo is a great player, he came in when we thought it was necessary, so no regrets.
“If we take two persons that were the most upset it is Cristiano Ronaldo and myself. Of course we are upset, but that is part of the job of the coach and the player.”
Walid Regragui’s men will face holders France in the semifinals at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday.