Portugal's young gun Ramos stepping into Ronaldo's shoes

Goncalo Ramos was thrown into the eye of the storm, but it was Portugal's 21-year-old striker who brought the thunder, blasting his country into the World Cup quarter-finals.

On a shock first World Cup start in place of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Benfica forward scored a brilliant hat-trick in the 6-1 romp over Switzerland to set up a date with Morocco on Saturday.

Known as the "Pistoleiro" for his gun-toting celebration, Ramos shot his way into world football's consciousness, having only made his Portugal debut in a late tune-up friendly against Nigeria.

The Benfica striker scored and provided an assist as a substitute as Portugal won 4-0 and perhaps that impact earned him the role of Ronaldo's replacement on Tuesday, when they won big again.

Ramos sent a scorching shot into the top corner to open the scoring, his second was a poacher's finish at the near post and he confidently dinked the third over Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

"Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine I'd score three goals in my first World Cup knockout match," said Ramos, after being named man of the match.

It was the first time in 16 years that Ronaldo had been a substitute at a World Cup, but on Saturday it might happen again -- Ramos is expected to start the quarter-final against Morocco.

Portugal played far more fluidly in attack with Ramos leading the line, his movement a boon for the attacking midfielders behind him.

"It seems difficult to me, very difficult indeed, for a player who performed as well as he did against Switzerland to be left out of the next game," said former Portugal striker Rui Aguas.

"It's not impossible, but it seems difficult for that to happen."

Ronaldo became the first player to score at five men's World Cups at the tournament, but