Cristiano benched? Portugal reveal starting lineup for FIFA World Cup quarterfinal clash vs. Morocco

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Morocco National Team, Portugal National Team, FIFA World Cup

Will the five-time Ballon d'Or winner return to the starting XI or be omitted once again? Find out the answer ahead of their highly-anticipated clash with the Atlas Lions.

The second day of the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals is here! While much of the attention has centered around England vs. France, Portugal take on an inspirational Moroccan side in the weekend's earlier kick-off.

After beating Switzerland 6-1 in the round of 16, Fernando Santos' men must now overcome the Atlas Lions for a spot in the semifinals. Hakimi and Co. boast the tournament's best defense, conceding the fewest number of goals so far (1) while registering the joint-most number of clean sheets (tied with England at three), meaning A Seleção should be in for a tricky time.

However, the focus has been on one man in the build-up to this fixture and that player is Cristiano Ronaldo. The 37-year-old icon remains in the headlines after being benched for the round of 16 win and was accused of threatening to leave the Qatar 2022 squad — Portugal and Santos have both rubbished those claims.

Nonetheless, the biggest question on everyone's mind was whether the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would return to the lineup for the showdown with Morocco or whether he would remain on the bench. The Euro 2016 champions have now revealed the answer.

Portugal have announced their starting eleven for this game and Cristiano has, once again, been left out of the lineup. Fernando Santos made nearly no changes to the team that tore apart Switzerland on Tuesday, meaning Goncalo Ramos, the hat-trick hero, keeps his spot ahead of CR7.

Chegou a HORA: Este é o nosso 11 Inicial para hoje! #VesteABandeira

It's TIME: This is our Starting 11 for today! #WearTheFlag pic.twitter.com/i7N6khiFag
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) December 10, 2022

Additionally, Joao Cancelo was also left on the bench, with the manager opting for Dalot and Guerreiro instead. Regardless, the spotlight will be on Cristiano as he continues his search for a first FIFA World Cup knockout stage goal in what looks to be the final tournament of his illustrious career.