Portugal Thrash Switzerland in World Cup Last 16
BBC Sport Journalist at Red Bull Arena Leipzig
Portugal has thrashed Switzerland 6-1 in the last 16 of the World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick, while Pepe, Goncalo Ramos, and Raphael Guerreiro also got on the scoresheet. Switzerland's only goal came from Manuel Akanji.
Portugal was dominant from the start and took the lead after just 17 minutes when Ronaldo headed home a cross from Diogo Dalot. Pepe doubled the lead just seven minutes later with a powerful header from a corner. Ronaldo then made it 3-0 in the 33rd minute with a stunning free-kick.
Switzerland pulled one back just before half-time when Akanji headed home a cross from Xherdan Shaqiri. However, Portugal restored their three-goal lead in the 55th minute when Ramos scored a tap-in after a great run from Joao Cancelo. Guerreiro then made it 5-1 in the 67th minute with a deflected shot from outside the box.
Ronaldo completed his hat-trick in the 88th minute with a penalty after he was brought down by Fabian Schar. Portugal will now face Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
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