The Portuguese produced one of their finest performances in recent memory without Ronaldo, storming into the quarter-finals where they will face Morocco.
Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos stepped into the starting XI and scored a hat-trick for Portugal. Ronaldo was a 73rd minute substitute and wore the captain’s armband.
Ronaldo had been demoted with Santos unimpressed with his attitude after being taken off in their final group game against South Korea.
“That’s still something that has to be defined,” Santos said when asked who starts the next game. I already answered in yesterday’s press conference; there is no problem between us.
“I have a strong relationship with him, I always have. I have known him since he was young and at Sporting, and then it started to develop in the national team.
“This relationship only developed. We’ve been friends for many years, things don’t affect us.
“I already explained everything was resolved. I said that and I repeat that now. This is something that’s finished and resolved.
“How he came in with a lot of will, he set an example as a great captain.”
Meanwhile, after the game Ronaldo denied that he has agreed to a big-money move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.