Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia to book a place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos scoring in a thrilling knockout clash in Toronto.
The victory sets up a blockbuster last-16 encounter against Spain after Portugal came from behind before surviving a late VAR scare to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Croatia took the lead in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perišić before Portugal responded midway through the second half.
Ronaldo levelled the score in the 68th minute from the penalty spot, becoming the oldest player to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout match and registering his first-ever goal in the tournament’s knockout stage.
Late drama seals Portugal’s victory
As extra time approached, substitute Gonçalo Ramos headed home the winner deep into stoppage time to send Portugal into the last 16.
Croatia thought they had rescued a dramatic equaliser moments later when Joško Gvardiol found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a lengthy VAR review, ending the Croatians’ World Cup campaign.
Emotional tribute to Diogo Jota
After the final whistle, an emotional Ronaldo honoured late Portugal teammate Diogo Jota by wearing a Portugal jersey bearing the number 21.
“We knew it before the game. It was a so special moment. We spoke today, our group, about that, the coincidence of life, it’s unbelievable,” Ronaldo said.
“I was amazed because of the situation today. It means a lot to us, not only because we won the game, but also the way we won the game. It was a difficult game, we knew it.”
Spain await Portugal
Portugal will now face European champions Spain in the Round of 16 after the Spaniards comfortably defeated Austria 3-0.
Spain secured victory through a Pedro Porro header and a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal to continue their impressive World Cup campaign.
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