By Charles Maduka
Substitute Goncalo Ramos scored a dramatic late winner as Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in the World Cup Round of 32, booking a place in the last 16 where they will face Spain.
Croatia deservedly took the lead through Ivan Perisic before Cristiano Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot. Ramos then struck in stoppage time to complete the comeback, while Josko Gvardiol’s late equaliser was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.
Portugal created the better chances in a quiet first half, with Bruno Fernandes forcing Dominik Livakovic into a save before Renato Veiga headed over from close range.
Croatia improved after the break following the introduction of Igor Matanovic, who helped spark the attack. Their pressure paid off in the 53rd minute when Perisic controlled Josip Stanisic’s deflected cross before firing a low shot through Diogo Costa’s legs for his seventh World Cup goal.
The Croatians thought they had doubled their lead just three minutes later, but Matanovic’s finish was ruled out for offside after Nikola Vlasic was judged to have moved too early. Portugal responded with Rafael Leao striking the crossbar before Ronaldo also had an effort ruled out for offside.
Portugal eventually found the equaliser in the 68th minute after a VAR review awarded a penalty for Vlasic’s foul on Veiga during a corner. Ronaldo calmly converted the spot-kick to level the score.
Croatia continued to threaten, with Costa producing excellent saves to deny Mateo Kovacic and Matanovic before Petar Sucic also saw his goal ruled out for offside.
Portugal made Croatia pay for those missed opportunities in stoppage time when Leao delivered a perfect cross for substitute Ramos, who powered a header into the net to complete the turnaround.
Croatia thought they had rescued the match deep into added time when Gvardiol found the net, but after another VAR review the goal was disallowed because Mario Pasalic was offside in the build-up.
The victory also marked another milestone for Ronaldo, who became the first player aged 41 or older to feature in a World Cup knockout match. His penalty was also his first goal in a World Cup knockout game after nine appearances.
While Ronaldo’s World Cup journey continues, Luka Modric’s tournament came to an end, with the Croatian veteran expected to retire from football after the competition. Perisic also made history despite the defeat, becoming Croatia’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with seven goals.
Portugal dedicated the victory to former teammate Diogo Jota as they continued their quest for a first-ever FIFA World Cup title.
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