F. Santos spoke mysteriously about C. Ronaldo's possibilities to return to the starting lineup. © SIPA

The Portuguese national team comfortably advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Cup on Tuesday.

Fernando Santos' pupils crushed Swiss footballers 6:1.

However, before the match, the Portuguese coach surprised everyone by leaving the team's biggest star Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench.

After the match, the coach was asked if C. Ronaldo would return to the starting lineup in the game against Morocco, but F. Santos evaded a direct answer.

"Ronaldo will definitely be used in some way. Even if players are not in the starting lineup, they can appear on the field at any moment.

Cristiano is a real example for us. He is one of the best footballers in the world, and also our captain," Santos said after the match.