Portugal benches Cristiano Ronaldo for World Cup knockout game

This decision comes after Ronaldo was visibly frustrated with being subbed out of Portugal's Group stage loss to South Korea on Friday.

Portugal manager Fernando Santo was not happy with Ronaldo's reaction, and said after the match that he was not impressed with how it was handled. He also refused to commit to starting Ronaldo for the Round of 16 match, and now we know he didn't starting him. 

Ronaldo attempted to justify his reaction by saying it was directed toward a South Korea player and not his manager. But that explanation did not seem to work in the eyes of Santo.

In the end, it did not affect Portugal, as Ronaldo's team embarrassed Switzerland without him by winning 6-1. Goncalo Ramos, who replaced Ronaldo, had a hat trick as he led the team into the World Cup quarterfinals.

It continues what has been a wild couple of weeks for Ronaldo at the World Cup. 

He became the first male player to score a goal in five different World Cups, had his contract with Manchester United terminated following a controversial interview with Piers Morgan, is closing in on signing a massive contract to play in Saudi Arabia and is now being benched in a knockout game.