In the 2022 World Cup, after being disrespected by star forward Cristiano Ronaldo in the last group fixture against South Korea as he was replaced (2–1 loss), he decided to bench him for the knockout phase, beating Switzerland 6–1 in the last 16, their highest tally in a World Cup at that stage since 1966, with Ronaldo's replacement Gonçalo Ramos scoring a hat-trick, but being ousted by Morocco in the next round; on 15 December, following constant criticism over his defensive tactics and style of play, he was dismissed.
In the 2022 World Cup, after being publicly disrespected by Cristiano Ronaldo during their last group match against South Korea (a 2–1 loss), he decided to leave him out of the knockout phase, resulting in a 6–1 win over Switzerland in the round of 16, their highest score at that stage since 1966. Gonçalo Ramos scored a hat-trick in Ronaldo's absence, but Portugal was eliminated by Morocco in the next round; on December 15, following persistent criticism about his defensive tactics and playing style, he was relieved.