FIFA World Cup 2022, Round of 16: Dream run continues for Portugal as they defeat Switzerland 6-1

The FIFA World Cup 2022 kicked off on November 20 and the hosts Qatar crashed out of the tournament in the group stage on the back of their poor run in the tournament. As things stand, Portugal and Switzerland faced off against each other in the final Round of 16 clash and it was the former who managed to pull off a win, despite benching their star player, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Concerning the first half, it was all about the Portuguese camp as they managed to gather 2 goals to their name, proving their prowess and might yet again in the ongoing world's biggest sporting event. Eventually, it was Gonçalo Ramos who opened the account for the team in the 17th minute, followed by a goal by veteran Pepe in the 33rd minute. Commenting on the defence from Switzerland, the team looked out of touch and rusty on a crucial day. At the stroke of the first-half whistle, the scoreline remained at 2-0 in Portugal's favour.

Portugal continue epic run in FIFA World Cup 2022

Eventually, while many predicted that it might as well end with 2-0, Ramos, who stunned the crowd earlier on the day, eventually grabbed a brace to his name in the 51st minute and tripled the lead for the Portuguese team. Switzerland, on the other hand, were staring at a possible exit which looked highly likely post conceding the third goal of the day to their opponents. It will be a moment of joy for the Portuguese camp who managed to keep their title hopes alive and eventually cemented their place in the quarter-finals of the epic tournament.

While many predicted that it might be a clean sheet for Portugal, Manuel Akanji played the spoilsport as he opened the account for Switzerland, post-Raphaël Guerreiro's goal for the Portuguese camp in the 55th minute. Much to the stupefaction of the Portuguese fans, Ramos stunned everyone as he scored a hattrick to his name in the 67th minute and made a strong statement ahead of the quarter-finals. With the Rossocrociati bowing out of the FIFA World Cup 2022, it marked the end of the Round of 16 stage and it was Portugal who clinched the win with a scoreline of 6-1 on the back of a late goal from Rafael Leão.