Felix and Fernandes on a mission of liberation

Portugal’s big two appear unshackled in absence of Ronaldo

- Simon Collings

BRUNO FERNANDES and Joao Felix will look to take another step out of the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo when Portugal face Morocco tomorrow.

Ahead of their quarter-final, Ronaldo is still the talk of the town in Qatar. The Portuguese Football Federation yesterday denied a report in Portugal that Ronaldo threatened to leave the World Cup after he was benched for Tuesday's win over Switzerland.

After they released a statement, Ronaldo tweeted: "A group too close to be broken by outside forces. A nation too brave to let itself be frightened by any adversary. A team in the truest sense of the word, which will fight for the dream until the end. Believe with us." But with Ronaldo now seemingly relegated to a supporting role, Portugal look ready to move on without him and both Fernandes and Felix seem liberated.

Alongside hat-trick hero Goncalo Ramos, who is expected to keep his place against Morocco, Felix and Fernandes starred in the 6-1 last-16 victory over Switzerland.