Before being called up to the official squad for the 2022 World Cup, Goncalo Ramos (21 years old) had only started his international career for a few months. Now, he leaves Lusail with a performance that could change his life forever: a hat-trick, an assist and turn the match against Switzerland into his own performance.
Before choosing the team to bring to Qatar, coach Fernando Santos surprised Ramos with a summons that was not planned in advance. Even when Ramos's name was mentioned, many viewers thought that he was just an option to fill the squad, playing in this tournament was all about learning and gaining experience. In the end, the reality shows that Ramos is the main force that is difficult to replace in Portugal.
In the Benfica shirt, after Darwin Nunez arrived at Liverpool, Ramos had more opportunities. In the Primeira Liga, Ramos stands out with their smart and fast mobility. He can squeeze through both wing corridors to find an opportunity, causing the opposing defender to constantly be put in a position of having to guess which direction of attack this striker will choose. With intelligence and the ability to rotate at sudden speeds, Ramos is like a perfect jammer.
Before the 2022 World Cup, Ramos had 14 goals for Benfica this season, a very impressive number. In the starting lineup against Switzerland, Portugal had 5 attackers, only William Carvalho played in defensive midfield. Is this the model of the Santos team that has always dreamed of: a young team and a massive attack?
With Ramos playing as a spearhead, his first goal against Switzerland was the key to answer Santos' question. Felix was able to move in line with his strengths to attract opponents and give up space for Ramos to fire. Santos did not think his student would be so bold when choosing to shoot from close range, but who knows, that's the age and it opened up a match that the whole Portuguese team had not seen in many years.
Ramos's replacement of Ronaldo is like a tree changing leaves, a big symbol aging and a young generation deserving to step up to take on the responsibility. Not only Ramos, Rafael Leao was on the field and trampled with class to score. Along with the remaining young stars such as Otavio or Ricardo Horta, when he can get rid of Ronaldo, Santos will change the headache state from uncomfortable to comfortable, he has too many good options in hand.
Morocco is the opponent in the quarter-finals and is expected to be much more difficult for Portugal. However, when the "European Selecao" have surpassed their own threshold, the game is now starting for them with a new, more prolific path without Ronaldo. The appearance of Ramos brings a sense of completion to Portugal and the match against Morocco will once again affirm that.
