PORTUGAL: Portugal booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia on Thursday, as substitute Goncalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time winner in a closely contested match.
Ramos headed home from Rafael Leao’s cross in the fourth minute of added time to seal Portugal’s progression after Croatia had created the majority of the game’s clear-cut chances.
Croatia thought they had rescued an equaliser in the closing moments, but Josko Gvardiol’s effort was ruled out for offside following a review, confirming Portugal’s place in the knockout stage.
What role did Ronaldo play?
Cristiano Ronaldo scored Portugal’s equaliser from the penalty spot after Ivan Perisic had given Croatia the lead early in the second half.
Perisic opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, finishing past goalkeeper Diogo Costa after breaking through Portugal’s defence.
Ronaldo briefly believed he had levelled the score moments later, but his goal was disallowed for offside.
Portugal eventually equalised after Renato Veiga was fouled by Nikola Vlasic inside the penalty area. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, which Ronaldo converted with a composed finish down the middle of the goal.
The goal marked Ronaldo’s first in the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup.
How did the match unfold?
Croatia continued to threaten throughout the contest, with Mateo Kovacic forcing a fine save from Diogo Costa, while Petar Sucic later had a goal ruled out for offside.
Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute as Portugal sought fresh legs for the closing stages.
Mario Pasalic came close to putting Croatia ahead with a late header that drifted narrowly wide before Ramos delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time to send Portugal into the Round of 16.
Portugal will face Spain in the next round on Monday.