Portugal’s Goncalo Ramos has announced himself to the world with a hat-trick in his first ever international start.
The 21-year-old had played just 33 minutes of football for Portugal across three previous matches. He was selected by Fernando Santos ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, in a move that caused ripples across the footballing world.
However his decision was justified after just 16 minutes, when Ramos powered home the opener. Following a Pepe header, Ramos got his second with a striker’s finish at the near post.
With just 67 minutes gone – his 100th minute of international football – Ramos completed his hat-trick in sensational fashion.
HAT TRICK HERO!! 🙌🇵🇹
Cristiano Ronaldo is going to struggle to re-gain his spot in the team after this performance… 😬#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/ChntVtONCx
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) December 6, 2022
What a day for Gonçalo Ramos 🇵🇹🎩
Here is another look at his third goal of the day ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/94aITUI9Q0
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 6, 2022
GOAL: Portugal 5 – 1 Switzerland. GONCALO RAMOS HAT-TRICK!#POR | #SUI | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Mmf9mydwj8
— Sachin More (@SachinMore8009) December 6, 2022
It takes his overall record to four international goals in just four international games. Having been taken off in the 73rd minutes, it puts him at a goalscoring rate of 27 minutes per goal.
Ramos’ efforts are also the first hat-trick at the 2022 World Cup. He should have a chance to build on that record in the quarter-final against Morocco – the question will be whether Ronaldo returns to the side with him.
