In a thrilling encounter marked by late drama, Portugal secured their place in the World Cup last 16 with a narrow 2-1 victory over Croatia on Jeudi. The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when substitute Goncalo Ramos headed in the winner, ending a tense battle under Toronto’s sweltering heat.
The match had seen Croatia take the lead through Ivan Perisic, who expertly slotted the ball beneath Portugal’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 53rd minute, putting the Croatians ahead. Moments later, Cristiano Ronaldo struck the net with a well-controlled finish, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after a close review.
Ronaldo’s Milestone and Late Controversy
Portugal’s equalizer came when Renato Veiga was fouled by Croatia’s Nikola Vlasic inside the penalty area, prompting a VAR review that confirmed the penalty. Ronaldo calmly converted the spot-kick, marking his first ever goal in the knockout stages of a World Cup. This milestone goal added another chapter to his storied international career, as Portugal now prepare to face Spain in Dallas on Monday.
Despite Croatia’s dominance for much of the match and their creation of numerous chances, the defining moment arrived in the dying seconds. Ramos, introduced as a substitute, connected with a precise cross from Rafael Leao in the fourth minute of added time, heading Portugal into the lead and effectively sealing their progression.
However, the closing moments offered Plus drama when Croatia appeared to have salvaged a draw through Josko Gvardiol, who found the net in stoppage time. The goal was ultimately disallowed due to an offside call, leaving the Croate players stunned and Portugal’s squad to celebrate a hard-fought victory.