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2022.12.07 10:05 GMT+8

World Cup: Portugal dismantle Switzerland 6-1, Morocco dump Spain out on penalties

Updated 2022.12.07 10:05 GMT+8
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Goncalo Ramos (C) of Portugal scores a goal during the World Cup match with Switzerland at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, December 6, 2022. /CFP

Portugal's Goncalo Ramos rose to the occasion on his first World Cup start to net a hat-trick in a 6-1 demolition of Switzerland on Tuesday, sending his side through to the quarterfinals for the first time in 16 years and setting up a clash with Morocco.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos had benched the country's all-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, tasking Benfica forward Ramos with leading the line despite the 21-year-old making his debut just three days before the World Cup in a friendly match.

Ramos had played only 10 minutes as a substitute in Qatar, but the youngster looked like he belonged on the big stage with a memorable performance for Portugal. Ronaldo was a late substitute who had a goal ruled out for offside.

"Cristiano Ronaldo talks to me and everyone in the team. He's our leader and always tries to help," Ramos said after netting the first hat-trick of the tournament.

"I don't know if I will start the next game, that's up to the coach, I have to work as hard as I can and then we'll see."

Achraf Hakimi (L) of Morocco scores the team's fourth and winning penalty past goalkeeper Unai Simon of Spain in the penalty shoot-out during their World Cup match at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, December 6, 2022. /CFP

Achraf Hakimi struck the decisive penalty to send Spain crashing out and Morocco into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, winning 3-0 in a shoot-out on Tuesday after a 0-0 draw.

Spain coach Luis Enrique had claimed his players prepared by taking 1,000 penalties as homework but Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets all missed from the spot and Madrid-born Hakimi dinked his home to the delight of Morocco's raucous support.

Spain had been hoping they could repeat their 2010 World Cup triumph after reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2020, where they were also beaten on penalties by Italy.

The teams were closely matched through a nail-biting clash, with Spain having more of the ball but Morocco creating the better openings.

Luis Enrique trialed his third right-back of the tournament in Marcos Llorente, and benched the team's top scorer Alvaro Morata for Marco Asensio, after the shock defeat by Japan.

(With input from agencies)

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