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Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal 'is like 'David Beckham in LA - there's a weight there', says Landon Donovan - who predicts the team will 'be different' when the 37-year-old steps away

Landon Donovan has said Cristiano Ronaldo's presence on the Portugal team reminds him of when David Beckham joined Los Angeles Galaxy.

Portuguese superstar Ronaldo was dropped to the bench for the last-16 clash with Switzerland and then again for Friday's quarter-final loss to Morocco.

Fernando Santos' team ran riot without him in the starting XI against Switzerland with Ronaldo's replacement Goncalo Ramos scoring a hat-trick in the 6-1 win but Portugal couldn't muster the same performance against Morocco.

Landon Donovan (bottom, second from left) compared Cristiano Ronaldo's presence in the Portugal team to David Beckham's (bottom, second from right) time at LA Galaxy

Landon Donovan (bottom, second from left) compared Cristiano Ronaldo's presence in the Portugal team to David Beckham's (bottom, second from right) time at LA Galaxy

Ronaldo dominated headlines during Portugal's World Cup run after being benched

Ronaldo was said to be furious at being dropped to the bench and USA legend Donovan suggested his presence in the roster and the sideshow that accompanies it have been a hindrance to the Portuguese national team in Qatar.