Goncalo Ramos says "Hello" to the World

Goncalo Ramos stepped into the biggest shoes in Portuguese history when national team manager Fernando Santos gave him the nod over legend Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal's round of 16 encounter against Switzerland and the 21 year old youngster just did what he always does and that is score goals. 

Ramos who came into the start with a total of thirty-three minutes under his belt for the national side, opened the scoring for Portugal at the 17 minute mark, with a thunderous shot into the top shelf off a Joao Felix pass and just out of the reach of the Swiss keeper. Ramos would then score his second of the game when he would direct a low Dalot cross pass into the goal to extend Portugal's lead. Ramos would then make history by finishing off his hat trick in the 6-1 Portugal victory with a chip shot after a nifty pass from Joao Felix, stunning the world of football and becoming the first player this World Cup to score three goals in a game.

Ramos became the youngest player to score a hat trick at the World Cup since football legend Pele completed the same feat in 1958 at the tender age of 17 and looks to have cemented his spot in the starting eleven when Portugal take on Morocco Saturday.

 

Benfica set for Sevilla friendly next week

Benfica will take on Spanish club Sevilla in a friendly that will take place during World Cup 2022 as both clubs look to stay match ready with their current set of players not participating in the tournament as they prepare for the resumption of league play in a semi-competitive match. Benfica and Sevilla will play their friendly on December 11th at the Estadio Algarve with tickets on sale now for €10 to €15M.

Helton Leite looking to move in January

Benfica back up keeper Helton Leite is currently unhappy with his lack of playing time at the club and he has reached a breaking point after failing to appear in Benfica's recent league cup games. The 32 year old is said to be ready to move on from the club and would like to leave as early as January when the transfer window opens.

Leite has a contract with Benfica until the summer of 2025 but feels he could be a number one keeper if given the opportunity with another club and although he now holds a Portuguese passport he is open to a move back to his native Brazil if it affords him the playing time that he is looking for with their season set to start in the new year.