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Stefan Tonev
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Portugal demolish Switzerland, Ronaldo’s replacement shines
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Gonsalo Ramos scored a hat-trick in his first start for his country

Gonsalo Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo’s replacement, bagged a hat-trick as Portugal thrashed Switzerland 6-1 to book their place at the World Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old striker, who only made his Portugal debut last month, demonstrated the kind of clinical finishing Ronaldo was once known for in his first start for his country.

Ramos opened the scoring in the 17th minute and added others in the 51st and 67th — by which time chants of “RONALDO! RONALDO!” were swirling around the 89,000-seat Lusail Stadium.

Portugal demolish Switzerland, Ronaldo's replacement shines 1

The 37-year-old Ronaldo came on as a substitute in the 72nd minute to loud cheers, though Portugal had the game wrapped up by then with defenders Pepe and Raphael Guerreiro also scoring.

Milan forward Rafael Leao added another goal in stoppage time.

Manuel Akanji netted the consolation for Switzerland with the score already 4-0.

Portugal reached the quarterfinals for the third time, after 1966 and 2006, and will face Morocco, who knocked out Spain, on Saturday.