Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos were on target as Portugal came from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 32 encounter on Friday, booking a blockbuster Round of 16 meeting with Spain.
Portugal needed a late winner from substitute Gonçalo Ramos to end Croatia’s resistance after a pulsating contest that featured a disallowed stoppage-time equaliser and several VAR interventions.
After a goalless first half, Croatia struck first in the 53rd minute when Ivan Perišić rifled home after Portugal failed to properly clear a cross.
Croatia looked set to extend their advantage moments later, but Igor Matanović’s effort was ruled out for offside, keeping Portugal within reach.
The Portuguese gradually regained control and found a lifeline in the 68th minute.
Following a VAR review, referee awarded Portugal a penalty after Nikola Vlašić fouled Renato Veiga during a corner kick. Ronaldo calmly converted from the spot for his first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goal.
The match remained finely balanced as both sides created chances, with Croatia forcing goalkeeper Diogo Costa into several crucial saves while Portugal hit the woodwork through Rafael Leão.
Just when extra time appeared inevitable, Leão delivered a superb cross into the penalty area in the fourth minute of stoppage time, and Gonçalo Ramos rose above two defenders to power home a decisive header and send Portugal into the last 16.
Croatia thought they had forced extra time deep into added time when Joško Gvardiol bundled the ball into the net. However, after another VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside, ending the 2018 finalists’ World Cup campaign in heartbreaking fashion.
The victory also marked another milestone for Ronaldo, who became the oldest player to start a FIFA World Cup knockout match before adding another record with his first knockout-stage goal.
Portugal will now face European champions Spain in a highly anticipated Round of 16 showdown on Monday, July 6, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
The emotional victory also came close to the first anniversary of the passing of former Portugal forward Diogo Jota, with Ronaldo paying tribute after the final whistle by holding up his late teammate’s jersey during the celebrations.
