Portugal booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia, as substitute Goncalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time winner in an entertaining knockout clash on Thursday.
Ramos emerged as Portugal’s hero after heading home a pinpoint cross from Rafael Leao in the fourth minute of added time. The late goal sealed victory after Croatia had dominated large spells of the match and looked poised to force extra time.
Croatia’s heartbreak deepened moments later when Josko Gvardiol thought he had equalised in the dying seconds. However, the goal was ruled out for offside following a review, sparking celebrations among the Portuguese players while Croatian players were left devastated.
Veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo played a crucial role in Portugal’s victory by scoring the equalising penalty after Ivan Perisic had given Croatia the lead in the 53rd minute. The spot-kick marked Ronaldo’s first-ever goal in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup, adding another milestone to his legendary international career.
Portugal had earlier seen Ronaldo find the net shortly after Croatia’s opener, but the goal was disallowed for offside. The equaliser eventually came after Renato Veiga was fouled inside the penalty area by Nikola Vlasic, with the referee awarding a penalty following a VAR review. Ronaldo confidently converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Croatia continued to create the better chances throughout the contest. Mateo Kovacic came close with a powerful effort brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Diogo Costa, while Mario Pasalic narrowly missed the target with a late header.
Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute as Portugal searched for a winner, and Ramos delivered when it mattered most with a decisive header deep into stoppage time.
The victory sends Portugal into the Round of 16, where they will face Spain in a highly anticipated clash in Dallas on Monday, with Ronaldo aiming to continue Portugal’s quest for World Cup glory.
